Galena Book & Paper - Galena, IL

Galena Book & Paper, Galena, IL

 

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Due to the pandemic over the last 12+ months you would think that there would be a dearth of new indies opening.  Granted, there are many that haven't survived or are struggling but since resuming my journey I'm 2 for 2 on bookstores that opened during the pandemic.  Galena Book & Paper has been open for about 6 months since October and I continue to be enthusiastic about all I have heard and read about these newbies.  As owner Jason told me, so far so good.  

Galena, IL is an ideal tourist destination with a historic main street that offers a variety of shops and novelties.  The one thing this picturesque town lacked was a new book store.  Problem solved with Galena Book & Paper that offers all new books and a few used books.  Customers can receive store credit or cash for the books the store will take.  This store is the missing puzzle piece to complete any community.  AND, speaking of puzzles (nice segue Indie Bob), that happens to be one of the popular sidelines you can get here.  As Jason told me, the sidelines are an important part of the business margin.  In addition to the puzzles, you can find a wide assortment of greeting cards, a variety of quirky office supply items (paper, pen, and pencil geeks will love this place), stationery, used games, reading glasses, cards that contain seeds that can be planted, and much more.  Galena Book has an excellent location, nestled on Main Street alongside many other fine local businesses.  A  beautiful, well-lit, one-level store with a creaky wooden floor make this a very comfortable space.  On the day of my visit, it was made all the more enjoyable by the light jazz playing in the background.  

The big news for Galena Book & Paper is still in its future, but not very far off.  During the spring, summer, and fall months, hoards of tourists descend on this beautiful town like river mayflies to visit the shops and the history.  The sidewalks are sometimes so packed with people they can't help but fall into some of the stores.  Call me Kreskin, but this is EXACTLY what I see happening at this terrific new bookstore.  Get yourself to Galena and check it out.  Congratulations Jason.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Dear Edward, Ann Napolitano.  Story of a 12-year old boy who is the sole survivor of a devastating airplane crash.  His long road to recovery and the people who help him through the mental and emotional trauma of rebuilding his life.  I enjoyed this book.  Recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Seven Kinds Of People You Find In Bookshops, Shaun Bythell. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  American Dirt, Jeanine Cummins.  Seven Kinds Of People You Find In Bookshops, Shaun Bythell.  

A beautiful store front in a historic building. 

 

 

 

 

Partial view of the historical Main Street district. 

Lots of window display space and a wonderful source of natural light. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking to the left as you enter the store. 

 

Many great table displays throughout the store and this is the one immediately to the right after entering. 

 

Display of new releases. 

Browse over to these shelves on the right side of the store.  I love how so many of the books are displayed with the covers out. 

If you know any Hobbit fans this boxed set would make a great gift. 

 

There have been some times during my journey where these have saved me in some stores. 

Variety of journals and notebooks. 

Kids will enjoy checking out the games available here. 

 

If you're an office geek, this is your display. 

These cards can be planted. 

 

Galena has a rich history and it's reflected in books like these about Lincoln and Grant. 

A great place to hang out in the children's section. 

I thought the used books in the store were excellent. 

 

Don't buy beer, buy the book and learn how to make beer!

 

Looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. 

With Jason on the left, the fine owner at Galena Book & Paper.  Thanks for a great visit. 

The Soul Book Nook - Waterloo, IA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Soul Book Nook, Waterloo IA

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How many of you would be brave enough to open a new bookstore business during a pandemic?  (crickets)  That's what I thought.  Here at The Soul Book Nook, owner Amber C. put it succinctly in one word, a word that applies to all indie owners whether they express it or not.  Faith.  When you meet Amber, there's no denying she has a faith, a strength, and a spirit to deliver a new bookstore to this community at this time.  The store is starting its 7th month in business and as Amber told me, so far they're simply maintaining.  During these unprecedented times, this is wonderful.  And there's only one way to go from here which is why there's a bright future ahead for The Soul Book Nook. 

This "baby" bookstore is already doing all those things the established ones are doing.  An active events schedule, both on zoom and safely in the store.  Local artists with displayed work throughout the store including work by Shalaya, who I met during my visit since she is also a staffer.  The store offers new and used books and the books they take in are all donated at this time.  If you can't visit in person, consider supporting this female, Black-owned bookstore by ordering online.  You'll find most genres here but the store is a definite niche for social advocacy books and African-American issues and history.   I'm happy to say that they aleady have a solid group of regulars.  Interestingly for this store, they are also getting some great business support from the Des Moines area and some of the education community there.   Additionally, many readers from all over search out this store simply to support a female, Black-owned business.  I cannot endorse this strongly enough!

Like the rest of us, Amber is marking time until the pandemic subsides and life becomes more reasonable again.  She has some great ideas including live music and offering a coffee service and snacks.  I'll look forward to watching this store grow and evolve.

 I'm aware that because of the newness of The Soul Book Nook not everyone in the community has discovered it yet.  If you're reading this, it's discovered!  In the Waterloo/Cedar Falls area, you finally have an independent bookstore.  Embrace this wonderful store and visit often.  Stores like this are the envy of towns who have nothing.  And if nothing else, you'll enjoy visiting with a knowledgeable and friendly owner and staff.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

 JUST FINISHED:  The Midnight Library, Matt Haig.  A women's life is suspended between life and death where she visits a huge library containing books of regrets and chances to live other lives she might've had if she'd made different decisions.  This book is getting a lot of hype.  Liked it, didn't love it. 

 CURRENTLY READING:  Dear Edward, Ann Napolitano. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Lost Buxton, Rachelle Chase.   

Store front of The Soul Book Nook.  Lots of front window display space. 

 

A portion of one of the front window displays. 

 

 

 

View looking straight into the store from the front entrance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking to the left of the front entrance. 

 

 

 

You'll find artwork by local artists displayed throughout the store. 

I love this table display just inside the front entrance. 

Go to the left after entering and follow the direction.  Stay safe and socially distanced. 

Follow the footprints for a guide to social distance. 

 

Kids will like this table display near the front of the store. 

A wonderful work by Shalaya, a local artist and staffer at The Soul Book Nook.  Make sure you ask her about her other paintings. 

Shelves located behind the check-out counter where you'll buy your books. 

 

Lots to pick from on this table display. 

There will soon be a coffee service up and running. 

 

Looking for thrillers?  This is your section.

How about science fiction?  You're covered. 

Overview of thew bookstore looking from the back toward the front entrance. 

 

Check out the message board toward the back of the store. 

Yes!  On the message board. 

Yes and...

A sign applicable at every bookstore, this one was created by a devoted customer. 

 

A perfect table display in the children's area. 

Partial view of the children's area. 

 

Be a part of The Soul Book Nook bookclub and pick up this book. 

 

With Amber, the fine owner at The Soul Book Nook.  Thanks for a great visit (Yes, we both wore masks during my visit.  No, I do not have a blue beard). 

 

 

 

Swamp Fox Bookstore - Marion, IA

Swamp Fox Bookstore, Marion, IA

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Even during these extraordinary times of a raging pandemic, a stressful election, and for Iowa, a devastating derecho (land hurricane), I am here to tell you there is good news in some corners of the country for independent bookstores.  We can find hope in a cute, tiny bookstore that sparks a twinkle of optimism for bookstore enthusiasts and readers living in eastern Iowa.  Marion, IA was without an independent bookstore but that void has been filled.  Swamp Fox Books was born and is now successfully enjoying its 4th month of business.  This success is thanks to the three determined, passionate, and knowledgeable women co-owners, all with backgrounds and previous experience in bookstores.  After visiting the store and these women, I'm encouraged more that ever for the future of Swamp Fox.  

I've been to over 400 bookstores now but don't know if I've been to one this small.  The smallness of the store though has not been a deterrent to its early success.  Far from it.  Ursla L., one-of the co-owners, told me that their revenue is not only sustaining but providing a profit.  Their small space has reduced overhead and their lease is very reasonable allowing for positive growth.  They also have a great location next to the West End Diner so you can get your coffee, pastry, and light lunch right by the bookstore.  For my followers flung afar across the country you can visit their website and view their inventory.  For my Iowa followers you can do curbside pick-up or they'll deliver locally.  The store space may be tiny but their customer service is huge.  Like other indies, they already have an active events schedule for adults and children alike.  Way to go, Swamp Fox!

Ursla, Terri, and Amanda are the wonderful women in charge here and if you're anywhere near Marion you need to pop in and meet them.  They always have great book recommendations.

But this is the event I want you to watch for.  Some indies have cats or dogs but not Swamp Fox.  Prima, a local celebrity alpaca occasionally appears at the store for an event.  And when she does she attracts a crowd who enthusiastically come to meet her.  And heck, as long as they're there, they might as well check out the books.

Not everyone in Marion has found this bookstore yet.  This is your notice.  Embrace this terrific bookstore and get started on that holiday shopping.  Maybe even find something for yourself.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Code Of The Woosters, P. G. Wodehouse.  For me, I call books like this "palate cleansers."  1930s British humor featuring and escapades featuring Bertie Wooster and his manservant Jeeves.  There are several of these adventures with these two characters by Wodehouse.  If you're a serious reader and haven't read anything by this author yet, check him out.  Recommended.   

CURRENTLY READING:  Winter Garden, Kristin Hannah.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  A Promised Land, Barack Obama.  Not purchased but gifted, Anxious People, Fredrik Backman.  Thanks Ursla!

Exterior view.  A tiny shop with a big heart.  

Some of what you'll find within.  

Directly across from the bookstore is the West End Diner, a great place to visit after you get your book.  

A great place to sit with your book outside the store.  

Looking to the left inside the entrance.  

Looking straight ahead into the store.  Lots of children's books in this area.  

Make sure you check out the display on the right behind the check-out counter.  

Lots of options under the check-out counter.  

Available at independent bookstores everywhere.  You'll have someone on your Christmas list who will want this.

Seasonal book display for children.  

View looking across the store.  

A great reminder.  

Wear your Swamp Fox swag and get a discount. 

View of the store from the outdoor seating at the West End Diner.  

A must for your holiday shopping.  

The entire visit was conducted safely with masks and distancing.

Masks off and held our breath so you could really see these super people.  From L-R: yours truly, Terri, Ursla, and Amanda.  The fine people you'll meet at Swamp Fox Books.  Thanks for a great visit.