Lit. On Fire Used Books - Peoria, IL

Lit. On Fire Used Books, Peoria, IL

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As with many of my visits on this journey, sometimes the story can be as much about the owner as the bookstore.  That's certainly at least part of the story at Lit. On Fire.  After meeting and visiting with Jessica S., the owner, I'd say that if she can do it, anyone can.  She's been a success for almost three years and I can happily say she's doing better than just hanging on.  Her business began in a 256 square foot space, then doubled its size, and then within the last year moved to its current location which is significantly larger.  She did this with a minimum amount of money, a background of experience, and an overflowing bucket of determination.

This new location near Bradley University has proven to be a great one for Lit. On Fire.  It is now on the very busy Main St. making it a much more visible location.  Although it is only a one-level store, its exterior is deceiving because it is much larger once you're inside.  This store offers mostly used books and has recently started to offer a few new books.  Many of the used books are donated but Jessica is picky about what she'll take.  She also knows everything that's in the store and inputs all of the books onto a data base.  And since this store is a one-person operation this is all the more impressive.  You won't get any of that used bookstore smell here (not that I mind that!), since Jessica takes pains to clean every book and sometimes put it in a dust jacket.  Few sidelines are offered but there is a nice line of locally crafted jewelry.

The store's customers consist of a good core of regulars as well as folks from the Bradley University community.  Out-of-towners are also finding their way here thanks to many nearby hotels.  There are a variety of events held right in the store including a monthly open mic night that could include anything from poetry readings to live acoustic music.  There's also a movie screen in the store that allows movie and TV show events.  There's a great social endeavor here with the store's annual fundraiser for domestic abuse awareness, very indie.

When you visit here you'll enjoy a neat, well-organized, and bright store.  It's all a credit to the store's owner, Jessica, who has herself and the store poised for a bright future.  Visit this bookstore and hear her story.  Congratulations Jessica.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Behind Her Eyes, Sarah Pinborough.  Mystery/thriller that has an incredible ending.  Couple in a loveless marriage and then the husband has an affair with a single woman.  Unknown to the couple is that the single woman is friends with both.  It gets a little weird but just hang on until the end.  Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING:  Nobody's Fool, Richard Russo.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Slammerkin, Emma Donoghue.  

The artsy camera angle view of the exterior.  

I wanted to capture the great store logo in the display window but the reflection interfered meaning you will be required to visit and see it for yourself.  

Shop local, Peoria, and all other towns fortunate to have an independent bookstore.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  What an improvement in space from the store's previous location.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance and a great mural.

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  Habitual readers may recognize the celebrity on the left browsing the books.  Yes, that's my mom.  Notice as well one of the Indie Bob Spot staffers, Michelle T.  

The store offers a nice line of locally created jewelry.  

Some great places to relax and try out a book.  

A great place to sit in the front of the store where you can browse through a book AND keep an eye on things outside.  

This display in the front of the store is where you can find a few of the new books.  

I always love finding great places to sit in a bookstore.  

A partial view of the children's area.  

Front to back, wall to wall books.  

Look carefully and you'll see a movie screen at the top of this picture that can be pulled down.  

Proceed to the back room which makes this store's space even larger than it appears.  

LOTS more books in here, the back room.  

View looking into the back room and to the left.  

Another nice view of the neatly organized back room.  

Outside the back room is a very nice patio space for nice days.  

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

Overview of the interior.  

You'll need one of these for all your books.  

Look for this sign to find your bargains.  

With Jessica, the fine owner at Lit. On Fire Used Books.  Thanks for a great visit.