The Indie Bob Spot: Hartfield Book Co

Hartfield Book Co, Monticello, IL

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There's just no way around it here but to call this place as cute as a button. If it were a baby you'd want to pinch its cheeks. It's an attractive store, both inside and out and owner Nicole S. has done an outstanding job birthing this baby (yes, this really is a baby, only 4 months old). So go ahead and check this little one out, but instead of pinching the cheeks, browse the books.

Monticello is a town of approximately 5000 and at long last finally has an independent bookstore thanks to Nicole and her vision. It's a small, one-level space but don't let that fool you. Nicole has done an outstanding job of curating an inventory that I would put up as good as any other indie. The store offers all new books and a small variety of sidelines including greeting cards (they sell well), t-shirts, buttons, and journals to name a few. Like other new indies, Nicole is still finding her footing for the right sidelines. The store is already holding a weekly story time which is a huge success. They've held one author event so far but there are plans on the horizon for a more active events schedule. They've already started a store book club, always a great idea. Best of all, Nicole has a partnership with some local school libraries who get their books from the store. I wish every bookstore could enjoy school partnerships like this. Such a great example of supporting your small local business.

One of my favorite things here is the store reading room. Many smaller stores don't have accommodations for customers who want to sit, relax, and try out a book without the feeling of obligation or being bothered by a staffer. Go to the back hallway, turn left, and enjoy a comfortably furnished room to sit in and at least pretend to be reading.

Nicole was as nice as the store she owns and you will genuinely enjoy meeting her and talking about books. She's already blessed with loyal regulars, a great location on the square, and a sympathetic landlord with a reasonable lease.

The word is still getting out about this shining star, especially for out-of-towners. So if you're in the area or simply passing through, take time to visit and pinch the cheeks of this brand new baby bookstore. Congratulations Nicole. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Great Alone, Kristin Hannah. Two thumbs way up! Story of a Viet Nam vet and former POW who returns home and struggles with his return to the US. He, his wife, and daughter decide to move to Alaska in search of a simpler life, living off the land. But it becomes tougher and tougher for the vet to maintain his sanity and things divert further and further away from normalcy. This story is incredible, one of the best books I've read in the last several months, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: I'll Be Gone In The Dark, Michelle McNamara.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Nick Adams Stories, Ernest Hemingway.

Exterior view of the beautiful storefront.

Walking down the sidewalk in this direction. Prepare yourself to take a right turn.

The sign pretty much defines my weakness.

Lots of great window display space.

On the wall to the right after entering are some great literary-themed prints.

View looking into the beautiful store space from the front entrance.

Some impulse sideline buys that you can only find in independent bookstores.

A nice view of the left side of the store.

Beautiful spring decor. The midwest is more than ready to be rid of winter.

I love the scrabble tiles that the store uses to identify the genres.

You might as well get a tote bag and fill it.

Neat display of new arrivals.

Unique prints found in independent bookstores.

Good assortment of literary-themed coffee mugs.

Incredible art-work done by a local artist that brings a children's story to life. My picture doesn't do it justice.

Literary-themed t-shirts.

You'll find this happy place in the children's section.

Partial view of the children's section.

Another view of the children's section.

I love these indestructible books for babies.

A couple of great places to sit and sample a book.

You'll find these greeting cards toward the back of the store.

This is an absolutely lovely room to lounge in with a book, with friends, or with a book club. Very well furnished and comfortable. Frequent readers may recognize the celebrity enjoying the comfortable room (I think she might've dozed off! How's that for an endorsement!) Yes, that's my mom.