Niche Books - Lakeville, MN

Niche Books, Lakeville, MN

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Is there a town anywhere that isn’t absolutely thrilled when they finally have their own bookstore?  In the words of owner Ashley C. at Niche Books, the community of readers in Lakeville were simply delighted.  In fact, Ashley can still remember the facial expressions of customers when they first visited, a little over a year ago when they opened (insert awestruck jaw drop!).  A void has been filled in this region south of the Twin Cities in Lakeville, a town of approximately 72,000 with two high schools, more than deserving of an independent bookstore.  After my visit, I can definitely confirm the opinions of all who have visited, this place and its owner are a delight.  Way to go Ashley.

This indie is located smack dab in the middle of downtown Lakeville, a perfect location (and right next door to a very hip coffeeshop, Tapestry Coffee).  The beautiful interior is home to new and used books, all shelved together throughout the store.  I really like that Ashley has all the used books on a data base so she knows exactly what’s in the store.  She’s very particular about the used books she accepts from customers but will offer store credit in return for those books.  If you can’t visit in person, consider supporting the store by ordering online through bookshop.org.  The store also offers a wide assortment of sidelines including greeting cards, unique socks, t-shirts, stickers, puzzles, and bookstore candles to name a few.  The puzzles, candles, and stickers have sold especially well. 

In the store’s short existence, they’ve already enjoyed an active events schedule.  I would also encourage young families to take advantage of the weekly story time for children every Saturday morning.  As regulars can tell you, the experiences you can enjoy at Niche Books cannot be duplicated online.  

If you’re in the Lakeville area and haven’t discovered this bookstore yet, get with it!  You’re missing out.  If you’re up in the Twin Cities consider spreading your wings for the short migration south for a 5-star bookstore experience and meet the rock star who will make the magic happen.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

JUST FINISHED:  So Far Gone, Jess Walter.  Rhys Kinnick has left society for a rural cabin, no TV, no cellphone, no internet.  Pushed over the edge by a white extremist son-in-law, he left behind a daughter and two grandkids.  But the grandkids find him and they need help.  Things aren't right and he's pulled back into society to find his daughter, the mother of the grandkids, who has disappeared.  A book that is relevant for our times.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Secret of Secrets, Dan Brown.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon.  

 

 

This is an easy call.  After you get your books at Niche Books take a few short steps next door and visit this really hip coffee shop with lots of seating.  

Any time an indie can take advantage of their location with a popular local festival its always a good thing for the bookstore.  Way to go Lakeville.  

  

New items you have to get.  

Beautiful view looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

All the cool people are wearing these t-shirts.  

Head to the left side of the store and enjoy this long wall of books and a leisurely browsing experince.  

Overview of the children's area located in the front of the store.  

Attractive table display of new releases.  

Have a seat and sample a book.   

Creative display of various sidelines.  

This Niche wall offers a unique way to display many sidelines and conserve floor space.  

Nice assortment of mugs and candles.  

If you're not getting one, maybe get one as a gift for your reader friend.  

 Neatly organized table display.  

A comfy spot to enjoy a book.  

ALWAYS consider this for friends and family. 

If you're a regular make sure you're on the store email list.  

Just a few of the stickers that are very popular here.  

Where else could you find a pumpkin juice candle?  If you see it in a bookstore and you like it, get it!  It will be difficult to find elsewhere. 

 

Take a picture of the kids in this cutout.  

This fireplace in the back of the store will become a very popular area in a few months.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

Puzzles have been popular sellers.  

Everything you need to know.  Pay them a visit.  

You can always find unique socks in many independent bookstores.  

With Ashley, the fine owner at Niche Books.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Basement Books KC - Liberty, MO

 Basement Books KC, Liberty, MO

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I discovered a few years ago that surprisingly, there were a lot of good things that came out of the pandemic for bookstores.  For Basement Books, the seed was planted at the beginning of the pandemic when owner Stevie and her husband bought books from a woman who was leaving her bookstore business.  Naturally, they started selling the books out of their basement, the origin of the store’s name.  They sold the books online and from there they eventually moved out of the basement to a pop-up business model.  And then graduated into their current location in the heart of downtown Liberty where they opened for business one year ago.  I don’t know how they could’ve picked a better location, surrounded by a wide-variety of small businesses that all enjoy excellent foot traffic.  They even have the added benefit of being in the perfect place when the town hosts farmer markets.  Ideal!

The store began originally as a used book store but now also offers new books.  Many of the used books are accepted as donations and customers can receive a 15% off coupon for a purchase.  If you can’t visit the store in person consider buying new books online through bookshop.org to show your support.  There are a variety of sidelines available including book merch t-shirts and tote bags, assorted items created locally, bookmarks, pins, and stickers.  As with most other bookstores, the stickers are very popular sellers.  

I always enjoy seeing the “blind date with a book” promotions that are offered in many bookstores.  They take it to another level at Basement Books by having the blind date with a book, book club.  What a great idea and a fun way to cultivate friendships and conversation in the community.

I didn’t meet Stevie when I visited the store (I did get to meet her later at her OTHER place of employment) but had a great time meeting Megan and hearing all about the store’s short history.  Unbelievably, there are still people in Liberty unaware of this super bookstore right under their noses.  If you’re reading this, now you know.  At long last, Liberty has its own independent bookstore.  Pay Basement Books a visit and enjoy a wonderful bookstore experience.  Congratulations Stevie!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  The Orchardist, Amandin Collin.  I really enjoyed this story about Talmadge who was orphaned as a teenager and then began his life in rural Washington state in the late 1800s as an orchardist.  The book follows his journey living a solitary life, never marrying and never having children.  But he becomes emotionally attached to two lost and feral teenage girls who have no homes and a makeshift family is born.  He cares for them even as one becomes wanted by the law.  I think this book is a classic.  Highly recommended.  

Also just finished, James, by Percival Everett.  I feel like I’m about the last one to get to this and its popularity is well-deserved.  The story of Jim and Huck, told through Jim’s eyes, of their days in Hannibal and escape as Jim searches for freedom and a way to rescue his wife and daughter.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  So Far Gone, Jess Walter.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  What The Chicken Knows, Sy Montgomery.  

 

Another view of the storefront.  

I'm always fascinated by historic buildings and this is where Basement Books is located.  

Creative front window display.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  Head this way to browse some of the store's sidelines including t-shirts and tote bags.  

Display of staff picks.  

 

Amen.

What a great offer, kids can get a free book.  

I love this area where you can look out the front window at the beautiful downtown square and browse a book at the same time.  

Consider some uniquely crafted soap or a luffa from this display.  

Always one of my favorite pictures in any bookstore.  Head over to the right side of the store for this wall of books.  

Beautiful and comfy setting in the middle of the store.  

Just a fraction of the stickers available.  

I also like the pins.  

Some of the books offered by local authors.  

A few of the children's books.  

 

This wonderful setting is in the back of the store.  A perfect place for a book club to meet or a gathering of friends.  

Looking for a classic?  They've got you covered.

 

 

Show this picture to anyone under 20 years old.  Better yet, show it to anyone under 10.  You'll be able to stump somebody.  

A wide choice for a "blind date" book.  

One of the descriptions for a "blind date" book.  Go ahead, take a chance.  

Excellent budget buys.  

Even better budget buys.  

Many books are repurposed into unique and creative works of art.  

Speaking of unique and creative... check out this clever corner in the back of the store.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

Tell that to everyone who's been to my house.  

You won't see this really cool mural of book spines unless you look behind you after you enter.  

Remember the good old days when the constitution actually meant something.  

With Megan, one of the fine booksellers at Basement Books.  Thanks for a great visit.