Reading Room Books - Wabash, IN

Reading Room Books, Wabash, IN

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Readers, many of you have visited numerous bookstores where you can enjoy not only books, but a variety of other items.  There's nothing wrong with this, however, if you're looking for a no-frills, no-nonsense, just show me the g d books, then this is your place.  Reading Room Books in Wabash is a 46-year old, grizzled bookstore veteran.  It has survived electronics and computers and in this small Indiana town of approximately 11,000, it is doing just fine thanks to many regular customers as well as a good influx of out-of-towners.  For store manager Ray D. whose career was in nuclear medicine, it has been a fabulous retirement career choice.  In fact, he loves it so much that he can heartily endorse it to others.

So if you don't want to be distracted by all that extra stuff in a bookstore, this is your place.  Reading Room offers all used books with a very small number of new books.  They also sell vintage and collectible editions, many of which are available on their online inventory.  Many customers come in and simply donate their used books but the store will offer store credit in return for used books.  I thought the sections of spiritual/inspiratioinal books and large print books were especially good.  But honestly, they are loaded with everything.  Three large rooms available to customers and two attics and a basement full of books that are stored which equals 400,000 - 500,000 in Ray's estimation.  As Ray told me, they're inventory rich!  All of these books are housed in a charming historic building (architecture buffs will absolutely love driving around this town) that's about 100 years old. 

The organization in the store is outstanding, and that says something for any used bookstore.  It also says what a great job Ray has done who told me when he began 6 years ago, disorganization was the order of the day.  It's a one-man show here so hats off to Ray.

For all the regular customers in and around Wabash, keep up the great work.  And next time you visit, bring a friend who has yet to experience this Wabash landmark.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry.

Approaching the store while walking along the sidewalk, this will be your view.  

Bravo, Reading Room!

Lots of display window space.  This one looks very homey.  

A perfect bookstore greeting above the door.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  Finicky readers may recognize the celebrity charging into the store.  Yes, that's my mom.  

View looking to the right from the main entrance.  

These are only a few of the Indiana authors found in the store.  These shelves are by the front entrance.  

As usual, bookstores give the best advice.  This is above the door on the inside.  

This is a great customer service.  

Display of books of local interest.  

This hallway leads into the room on the right side of the store.  Notice in the pictures the stylish calligraphy indicating directions and genres.  Great signage in the bookstore and it was all done by Ray.  

Walk through the hallway into the second room and look to the left for this view.  

A wonderful display of seasonal favorites.  

The iconic tin ceilings found in historical buildings go along with this historic chandelier.  

You can find many quotes like this one in the room to the right.  Expert calligraphy by Ray.  

A great place to sit and try out some books.  

Fans of music on vinyl will find lots to choose from.  

This book aisle is in the main room.  

A terrific store mural found on the back wall of the main room.  

One of the long aisles in the room to the left of the main room.  

In case you can't read the sign, refer to the models to tell you what you'll find in this aisle.  

Yeah, hope you're not in a hurry.  This aisle will take awhile.  

There are so many books and bookshelves here it's hard to get a good overview of the store (The Indie Bob Spot has yet to embrace drone technology).  This is the main room looking toward the front entrance.  

With Ray on the left, the fine store manager at Reading Room Books.  Thanks for a great visit.