Skylark Bookshop - Columbia, MO

Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO

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Readers, if you've never heard of the Unbound Book Festival, I suggest you check it out.  This might be just the event you need to inspire the idea of opening your own bookstore.  At least, that's how it worked for Alex George, the owner of the new bookstore in Columbia.  Besides his professions of published author and attorney, he decided to add bookstore owner to his busy schedule.  This new indie is only three months old and is already seeing many regular customers.  And as Alex told me, many of them have thanked him profusely for opening this business in Columbia and bringing something that is treasured and welcomed by this community of literary and educated readers.  I couldn't be more excited to see yet another bookstore riding the wave of new bookstores opening all over the country.

I can't imagine this store having a better location. Smack in the middle of downtown Columbia on a busy street, right next door to Lakota Coffee (ideal) with MANY other small businesses up and down the street.  It's also a great location that attracts business from the three colleges in town, Stephens College, Columbia College, and the University of Missouri.  The store is a long and lengthy one-level with a small upper level in the back of the store.  You'll find a very well-curated inventory of new books and a variety of literary-themed sidelines including socks and scarves to name a few.  They have an excellent space right in the front of the store for events and are already offering an active schedule.  They're also able to hold events for smaller groups in the loft in the back.  Best of all, I'm so happy to report that their business is going very well and off to a great start.  Congratulations Alex, staff, and Columbia.

Alex and store manager Carrie K., were a blast to meet and talk with.  Like so many of my visits, I could've talked to these two all day.  And the fun here was also meeting a published author who also owns a bookstore!  The cherry on top was another friendly and welcoming shop dog, Theo (Honestly, I don't think I've ever met an UNFRIENDLY shop dog!).  I think they could post this charmer outside and draw in even more customers.  

People are still discovering Skylark so I'm optimistic the good news will continue to spread.  This place is an absolute keeper and once you visit, you'll see why.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  People Of The Book, Geraldine Brooks.  I like this author and certainly do recommend her but this book didn't grab me.  A 500-year-old haggadah is found in Sarajevo in 1996, and the novel sets out to explore the book's journey across Europe in those intervening years.  Story also centers on Hanna Heath, the book conservator who has been chosen to solve some of the mystery surrounding the book.  Somewhat Da Vinci Code-esque, but not quite as good for me.    

CURRENTLY READING:  The Essex Serpent, Sarah Perry.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  A Good American, Alex George.  An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good, Helene Tursten.  

One of the clues that helps me find a bookstore I've never visited.  A sidewalk chalk message board.  

A spacious front window display.  

The attractive view looking into the store from the front entrance.  A lengthy store with a stairway in the back to an upper loft area.  Beautiful light fixtures and trimming around the shelves.  Nicely done.  

Area of the front window display and also a perfect stage area for authors visiting the store for events.  

Grab a seat and test drive a book.  

A nice display looking to the left just inside the front door.  

An overview of the left side of the store.  When all these table displays are cleared out they have a nice seating space for events.  Meticulous readers will no doubt recognize the celebrity in the foreground.  Yes, that's my mom.  These same readers will certainly note the new winter jacket not seen in the hundreds of previous pictures.  

Book themed cards and wrapping paper available at the check-out counter.  

Theo sells some books to an enthusiastic customer.  

A variety of sidelines can be found throughout the store.  

This is a really cool scarf with the lithograph of an entire novel.  

Quirky socks only found at independent bookstores.  

Serious writers, artists, and drafters should check out these top-grade pencils.  

Literary-themed mints.  

A few of the books of local and regional interest.  

Partial view of the children's section.  

Take these steps to the loft.

An overview of the very attractive loft area.  

I think this is my favorite place in the whole store.  After reaching the loft, go around to the right and find this stairway that leads to nowhere.  It's a dead-end with one reading chair.  Yes please!

Have a seat in these chairs in the loft and you can keep an eye on both floors.  

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

Staff picks are scattered throughout the shelves using shelf talkers.  They look like 3x5 cards hanging from the shelves by their recommended book.  

"It ain't easy selling books.  Don't bother me, I'm on break.  Uhh, unless you have a treat."

With Carrie on the left and Alex in the middle, two of the fine folks you'll meet at Skylark Books.  Thanks for a great visit.