Little Blue Pigeon - Denver, CO

 Little Blue Pigeon, Denver, CO

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My only regret visiting Little Blue Pigeon is I know it is going to show amazing and beautiful growth in the coming months and years.  Already, in its three short months it is off to an impressive start.  In this short time, its success has been excellent and is split 50/50 between tourists and locals.  Owner Paige D.'s vision was to create a neighborhood bookstore vibe, small in size but comfy in spirit and well-curated.  She has definitely hit that mark and then some.  I think the store has an especially good location on one of the few remaining historical Denver squares, Larimer Square, in south downtown Denver.  The street is blocked off creating an ideal area for foot traffic that benefits Little Blue Pigeon and all the other adjacent businesses.  It’s also on the edge of the theater district helping to make it a tourist destination.  The area is surrounded with many apartments and condos that helps the store attract local customers.  As Paige told me, the store already has a solid core of regular customers.  But, to me, best of all I was glad to hear that this terrific location has a very reasonable lease.

The first thing that hit me when I entered this store was the beautiful and expansive blue pigeon-themed mural on the back wall of the store.  This unique masterpiece was created by two talented local women artists, congratulations to them.  The Little Blue Pigeon offers all new books and several noteworthy sidelines including journals, greeting cards, adult coloring books (they’re making a comeback), leather bookmarks, stickers, and silk pajamas hand sewn by a local artist, just to name a few.  Paige has experience creating author events in her previous job and is already putting that talent to good use.  One of those successful events was a book club retreat, held at a renowned local hotel and the club’s book was Ann Patchett’s, Whistler.  Other events are held inside the store’s space or off-site for larger events.  Always remember if you can’t support the store in-person you can always make a purchase online at bookshop.org.

When you visit historic Larimer Square you will discover no shortage of fun things to do and places to visit.  Whatever you do, make sure to see this beautiful new bookstore to make your visit complete.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Signs: The Secret Language of The Universe, Laura Lynne Jackson.  An absolutely fascinating book that includes stories of how loved ones continue to try and communicate with us after they have passed.  Lots of examples through anecdotes and also the many ways our Teams of Light and the universe/God try to reach us.  The author is a psychic medium and I thought her book was very credible.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, Kristin Harmel.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Beloved, Toni Morrison.  

Enter here.  

Beautiful storefront and lots of window space for natural light. 

 

Larger picture of the store's building and the adjacent Lincoln Hall.  

I love the store logo.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

One of a kind silk pajamas just to the right after entering.  

Attractive table display front and center.  

A very cozy nook to sample a book, inside the front door and curl around to the left.  

Table display for the young and the young in heart.  

Browse these shelves on the left side of the store.  

Hip and fashionable.  

A few of the Young Adult books offered.  

Roll the dice and take a chance on a blind date with a book.  

Very attractive journals.  

A few of the stickers available.  

Adult coloring books are making a comeback at this indie.  

This was really cool.  Paige told me to write a letter to myself in the future.  She kept it and will mail it to me in a year.  If you visit this bookstore, be sure to do this.  

An ideal place for little readers.  

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

Kids will love visiting here.  

This blank wall on the left side of the store will hopefully become home to various antique mirrors of all shapes and sizes. 

My picture doesn't do this remarkable mural justice which means you have to go see it in person.  

You will need a tote for all the books you'll buy.  

A very fun Denver-themed bingo card.  

With Paige, the fine owner at Little Blue Pigeon.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Denver Book Society - Denver, CO

 Denver Book Society, Denver, CO    

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Denver has a pretty good bookstore scene and there are new indies joining the party since I’ve been here.  One of those is the Denver Book Society, only 5 months old and already checking all the boxes just like any long-running bookstore.  I knew from seeing pictures online that this was going to be an attractive bookstore but those pictures and mine below just don’t do it justice.  A beautiful and neatly organized space from head to toe make it impossible NOT to browse.  Check out the impressive murals in the main room and in the children’s area.  Also check out the atrium room outside and next to the children’s area.  A perfect place for groups and book clubs to gather (ask about renting this space) and also an area to enjoy games like mahjong, chess, and more.  The Denver Book Society team has done a terrific job remodeling this interior and offering a true 3rd space, a place of comfort and kindredship.  In other words, a society.  Well done Denver Book Society.

You’ll find all new books throughout the store and a healthy assortment of sidelines.  I thought the books of local and regional interest were particularly good.  Greeting cards, puzzles, reading glasses, journals, and art supplies are some of the sidelines of note.  Check out the pigeon cards on a table outside of the atrium.  These are selling very well.  I would add however, one of the best sidelines just inside the front door was a freezer of various ice cream flavors.  Not sure I’ve seen this elsewhere but after 658 bookstore visits I can’t say for sure!  The cafe area in the front of the store is striking in design and you can enjoy something to eat or drink during your visit.

Cooper is happy and friendly and waiting for you!

There are many things going on here for local customers to take advantage of.  For example, consider getting a very reasonably priced annual membership.  This offers many perks that you might not be able to access otherwise.  Definitely participate in the loyalty program, always a benefit for regular customers.  And numerous events and activities accommodating many interests, too plentiful to mention.  

Best of all?  People you meet like owner Rich G. and store manager Becca H.  But I REALLY hope you get to meet shop dog Cooper, a gentle soul who makes a perfect bookstore ambassador.

Denver readers and tourists, don't miss this new indie that makes a bookstore city even better.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

 JUST FINISHED: Dock Ellis In The Country of Baseball, Donald Hall & Dock Ellis.  Former Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher in the 1970s who lived a wild life and still had a successful career.  You'll learn that his social advocacy for others was less publicized than his controversial career and lifestyle.  Baseball fans will like this.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Signs: The Secret Language of The Universe, Laura Lynne Jackson.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Covenant of Water,  Abraham Verghese.  

Beautiful storefront on a corner location.  

Great seating outside on a beautiful day.  

Twist my arm.  

Regular customers should definitely participate.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Curl around to the left of the entrance for this great place to sit, sip, and read.  

Just inside the entrance and slightly left is the cafe.  I love the design of books wrapped around up top.  

Attractive table display of recent releases just inside the store.  

View looking at the right side of the store from the front entrance.  

A freezer full of hand-scooped ice cream?  Yes please!

Comfy seats to sample some books.  

The store offers many activities including bingo for kids or adults.  

This is an adult bingo card.  

This is the "Wish for America" tree.  Check it out when you visit the store.  

The James Baldwin bathroom.  Clever.  

Find this table for an assortment of classics.  

I love this small mural above the store entrance.  

Cooper welcomes you.  

I love it!

A few of the greeting cards available.  

An inviting nook to browse in the far right rear of the store.  

 

Head to the back of the store for a long browse along these shelves.  

Incredible mural on the long wall at the back of the store.  Congratulations to the talented artist who created this.  

Always be sure to check out the staff picks at any bookstore. 

 

For those of us who lose or break our reading glasses, you're covered,  

View looking into the children's area, located in the rear left side of the store.  

Another one of the store's wonderful murals, this one located in the children's area.  

Something comfy for kids to stretch out on with their book in the children's area.  

Partial view of the children's area.  

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

Along the side of the building and outside the children's area, the long, bright atrium.  

You'll find art supplies in the atrium.  

Another view of the atrium and a chess board awaiting your arrival.  

Plan ahead for your visit.  

With Rich in the center, Becca on the right, and the star of the show Cooper in front.  Two of the fine people and one awesome ambassador you'll meet at The Denver Book Society.  Thanks for a great visit.