Peoria Book Rack Books & Gifts - Peoria, IL

Peoria Book Rack Gifts Booktique, Peoria , IL

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Regular followers know that I hold indie owners, managers, and booksellers in high regard.  I've compared them to rock stars, super heroes, and the best kind of people that should form their own political party.  And clearly here at the Peoria Book Rack, owner Stacy H. is a superhero and deserving of a crown and a cape. This store has been around a long time, since 1970.  But when Stacy took over the business in 2016 it was on life-support and barely surviving.  Fast forward almost 8 years later and not only is it surviving, it is thriving.  A vibrant, creatively decorated store that is the perfect reflection of the store owner who is barely scratching the surface of the stores' future and continued success.

Peoria Book Rack is very representative of a successful independent bookstore.  They offer new and used books in a meandering one-level setting.  Currently, that ratio of new to used is about 10/90% and over time Stacy might try to bump the new book percentage up as they sell very well.  Some customers will simply donate their gently used books but others will take advantage of receiving store credit in return for their books.  Stacy is regularly setting books outside the store entrance that are free for the taking , a terrific community service that many adults and children appreciate (Superhero!).  The store does a brisk online business via many options and I encourage readers to follow the store on Facebook to learn more about supporting them online.  Naturally, the store offers numerous sidelines including greeting cards, bookstore socks, locally created book-themed earrings, stickers (very hot), candy, and coffee to brew at hone to name a few.  They also offer bookstore candles, uniquely created by Stacy and offered at MANY stores across the country (Superhero!).  

Almost every superhero has a sidekick and here at Peoria Book Rack Stacy's is Gary, a retired carpenter (the ghosts that live in the store don't count as sidekicks. Yes, there are ghosts.).  Gary is responsible for building most of the bookshelves along with much of the interior trim.  Best of all is the creativity he's exhibited producing much of the Harry Potter themed display you see when you enter the store.  Venture further back into the children's area and you'll see the large Narnia-themed wardrobe that he built. 

Hey Peoria, pay a visit to this remarkable bookstore and enjoy meeting a talented owner with the perfect welcoming personality for all who enter.  Way to go Stacy (Superhero!).  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Caretaker, Ron Rash.  Probably the best book I've read over the last several months.  Jacob is forced to go to the Korean War leaving behind a childhood friend, Blackburn Gant, a cemetery caretaker, and a young wife, Naomi.  But there are forces at play in this small North Carolina town and the Korean War is the perfect excuse to keep the two apart.  Absolutely outstanding and highly recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Librarianist, Patrick deWitt. 

The welcome sign is always out at this indie.  The store frequently offers free books outside for the taking.  That's what I call a budget buster. 

Approaching the storefront from the large parking lot that offers free parking. 

If you drive by this sign on Knoxville Ave, that's your cue to turn in and visit the bookstore. 

Enlarge this photo to read the Book Rack story. 

Harry Potter fans will love this store. 

Inside the front entrance and looking directly to the left. 

Looking into the room on the right from the front entrance. 

Attractive and timely display just inside the front door. 

If you're a regular and/or live anywhere in the country I strongly encourage you to join this group for great book buys. 

This is the Horror Hall.  Given that the store is also home to ghosts, I might be apprehensive. 

A perfect sentiment at any bookstore. 

Some great work by Stacy's neighbor Gary who is a fantastic help to the store.  Harry Potter mural and train. 

Shop local, buy local means this store helps the community. 

I loved these when I was a kid. 

Of course, stickers are hot here and these are just a few available. 

Created locally, I think these unique earrings would be great gifts for the right person.  I love these. 

Overview of the room to the far left in the store. 

One of the many book aisles. 

A few of the greeting cards offered. 

A wide variety of unique bookstore socks available.

Where else could you get a pair of socks like these?

Many book-themed candles offered and they're created by Stacy herself. 

Head down this hallway to the far left interior toward the children's area. 

Overview of one of the children's rooms. 

Overview of a room for young readers that also has a replica of the Narnia wardrobe. 

Closeup of the Narnia wardrobe.  Nicely done. 

Overview of the room to the right after entering the store.  Lots of well-organized fiction here. 

Looking into the science fiction/fantasy room. 

Just some of the romance shelved on the right side of the store. 

If you ever see Stacy in the community and she offers you one of these cards, take it!  You'll get a discount on your next trip to the store. 

Overview of the "spicy and steamy" romance room, located off the Horror Hall. 

This tribute to Jane Austen resides in the spicy romance room. 

With Stacy, the fine owner at Peoria Book Rack Books & Gifts.  Thanks for a great visit.