The Indie Bob Spot: Bookends On Main

Bookends On Main, Menomonie, WI

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Regular readers of The Indie Bob Spot know how often I write about the kindness of the many bookstore owners and booksellers I meet along this journey. Without these people and their graciousness, these blurbs would be very difficult to write. When I arrived in Menomonie, WI, this good nature was extended to me on the sidewalk before I even entered the store. As you know, all successful indies have a strong, local customer base. As Pat came out of Bookends On Main, I met one of those loyal customers and it was great. "What are you doing? You're going to bookstores? Yes, across the street is the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, used to be the library. Yes, come into the bookstore, you have to meet Susan the owner." And on and on. She told me lots about Menomonie, local authors, history, another bookstore to visit, and book recommendations. Then Pat handed me off to Susan and my bookstore and Menomonie education continued. Meeting devoted bookstore customers like Pat becomes part of the most memorable parts of my bookstore visits. They're some of the nicest people you would want to meet and its people like Pat who are the life blood for independent bookstores.

Bookends On Main is a one-level store in downtown Menomonie. The store opened in 2004 and Susan took over the ownership in 2009. This indie offers new and used books and you can find the used books in different sections of the store. You'll also find some collectable and vintage books here. There are a few sidelines here including greeting cards, journals, kids' items, acoustic guitars and ukuleles, and even book earrings. There is metered parking available right on the street by the store so parking is a snap.

Susan was great to meet and between her and Pat, I learned a lot about the town and the store. Menomonie is a small town of approximately 16,000, and a bookstore like this can be such a vital part of the community. Many communities much larger have nothing like this. That's why if you live in Menomonie you need to pay this store a visit, especially if you've never been here. Shop local, buy local, and meet terrific customers like Pat and bookstore owners like Susan. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Heart, Maylis De Kerangal. This is a French author so this book is a translation. Story of three 19 year-olds who go surfing and then when returning home are in an accident which leaves one of them brain dead. The parents agonize about whether to donate their son's organs. I like the premise, but this is a very literary work and it was above what I could grasp. Not sure if that was because of the author or translation. If you're into good works of literature, you'll enjoy this more than I did.

CURRENTLY READING The Lighthouse Road, Peter Geye.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Roughneck Grace, Michael Perry.

Another exterior view.

Before you enter the bookstore, look over your shoulder across the street and you'll see the Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts. This beautiful historic building was built in 1889.