The Indie Bob Spot: Novel Destination, Used Book Emporium

Novel Destination, Used Book Emporium, Jamestown, NY

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When you visit Novel Destination in Jamestown, NY, you'll naturally be impressed with the amount of books offered in a small, two-level space. But it didn't take me long to figure out that the stars of the show here are Carrie W., the owner, and her sidekick shop dog, Scout. It's a recurring theme for me to tell you about the kindness and sincerity of bookstore people and Carrie fits that description to a "t." I've met literally hundreds of people on this journey and none are any nicer than Carrie. She cares deeply about community, assisting the elderly with book orders among other things, as well as sending cards to veterans organizations, and these are just the things I know about. She has a chair by her desk in her store for customers who talk to her about various personal problems. She even keeps a first aid kit handy and has had to use it on occasion. And best of all don't expect to leave the store without getting a hug. This all comes natural to a former nurse who is now a bookstore owner and has brought compassion and tender-heartedness to both professions.

When you enter the building's side entrance and step into the store, you'll ask yourself where are the books. The store houses approximately 35,000 used books but it won't look like it at first. However, as you browse throughout, you'll find three rooms full of books on the main level and many more in the basement. All told, a good space in several sections. The bookstore shares the building with a barbershop and Carrie says that it's been good for both businesses sharing customers. In addition to getting books from customers for trade, Carrie has also become friends with many librarians around the country and this has proven to be a good source for acquiring books. The only sidelines here are the greeting cards which do very well. The store has been here for 7 years and the good news is that things are going well and Carrie is seeing steady growth.

I've met some teddy bear dogs on my journey (hello Benji, Neighborhood Reads) but Scout is one of the best. He'll tell you that you can order Novel Destination books online, but why would you do that when you can come to the store and see him?

If you're in the Jamestown, NY area and haven't found this place yet, check it out. You'll meet a wonderful owner, Scout the shop dog, and get a hug with your book. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The President Is Missing, James Patterson & Bill Clinton. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I don't read a lot of Patterson so can't compare it to his other books but this one was a page-turning thriller about cyber terrorists determined to hack America's internet and totally disable the country. It is realistic with current events making it all the more frightening. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: The Shakespeare Requirement, Julie Schumacher.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Beginner's Guide To Keeping Chickens, Lee Faber. Not purchased, but gifted, Extraordinary Chickens, Stephen Green-Armytage. A Month On Green Street, Tom Hanks. Thanks Carrie.

This is the building that houses two small businesses, including Novel Destination.

Follow this arrow...

...to the side door entrance.

This bookstore has its own customized car! I don't think I've visited any other indie that has their own car, a traveling advertisement. I love it!

View looking into the store from the entrance. Keep in mind that this is one room of many.

Scout was on break from book selling when I arrived.

A couple of places to sit while you test drive a book.

This area is where they occasionally host events. It also doubles as a waiting area for the barber shop.

After you're done in the front room, proceed onward.

Book room one, with the organized contents as listed above.

Scout helping me to pick out a book.

Continue now to book room two.

Book room two with genres and organization as listed above.

I really like it when bookstores are able to display books with the covers facing out. I don't know about other customers but this makes it easier for me to pick out a book to buy.