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| Reader's World, Holland, MI |
For independent bookstores that have stood the test of time, there are usually a variety of factors. Reader's World in downtown Holland has been at it for over 50 years and it began as a distribution service for newspapers and magazines throughout western Michigan. I'm pretty sure when it began it was a bedrock of customer service and that characteristic has persevered through the decades and remains today. That success, then and now, is thanks to the continuity of ownership through the years that began with ownership of the building allowing for a very reasonable lease and their only location, a corner space in a very vibrant business district. In other words, this place has it going on!
The modest, one-level space is filled with new books, a few sidelines, and lots of things of interest to tourists. Toursity postcards, maps, and travel guides. Some of the sidelines include greeting cards, journals, and jigsaw puzzles (because not every day will be sunny at this vacation destination). The store is especially noted for its incredible volume of magazines available, mostly on two long shelves that run the length of the store. The book inventory is especially well-curated thanks to Lisa and Ann. Being in business this long has given the store the opportunity to enjoy visits from 2nd and 3rd generation regulars. Some of those regulars include "seasonal" regulars who own nearby vacation homes as well as many visitors from Chicago.
The store holds occasional author events on-site and is able to host large events at the library. I was also very happy to hear that they have a great relationship with many of the local schools. Oh how I wish every indie could enjoy this.
I hit the jackpot on my visit here because not only did I meet Lisa, but her mother Laurie was also in the store. Laurie, and her husband along with Lisa's grandfather were the store founders so I'm thrilled when I get to meet people like this.
If you live in Holland and don't know about this store yet, what's the problem? Heck, even if you can't find a book I'm POSITIVE there's a magazine here for every interest. Reader's World is riding the wave of the independent bookstore resurgence. Visit them and see why. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
JUST FINISHED: Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng. Lots of scenarios with lots of questions and no perfect answers. Shaker Heights, OH is the picture-perfect suburb for good standing families. Then a single mother and her daughter move in and create little "fires" between themselves and a family of five. Everyone has secrets and it is a fascinating read. Recommended.
CURRENTY READING: The Cost Of These Dreams, Wright Thompson.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: Every Note Played, Lisa Genova.
The modest, one-level space is filled with new books, a few sidelines, and lots of things of interest to tourists. Toursity postcards, maps, and travel guides. Some of the sidelines include greeting cards, journals, and jigsaw puzzles (because not every day will be sunny at this vacation destination). The store is especially noted for its incredible volume of magazines available, mostly on two long shelves that run the length of the store. The book inventory is especially well-curated thanks to Lisa and Ann. Being in business this long has given the store the opportunity to enjoy visits from 2nd and 3rd generation regulars. Some of those regulars include "seasonal" regulars who own nearby vacation homes as well as many visitors from Chicago.
The store holds occasional author events on-site and is able to host large events at the library. I was also very happy to hear that they have a great relationship with many of the local schools. Oh how I wish every indie could enjoy this.
I hit the jackpot on my visit here because not only did I meet Lisa, but her mother Laurie was also in the store. Laurie, and her husband along with Lisa's grandfather were the store founders so I'm thrilled when I get to meet people like this.
If you live in Holland and don't know about this store yet, what's the problem? Heck, even if you can't find a book I'm POSITIVE there's a magazine here for every interest. Reader's World is riding the wave of the independent bookstore resurgence. Visit them and see why. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
JUST FINISHED: Little Fires Everywhere, Celeste Ng. Lots of scenarios with lots of questions and no perfect answers. Shaker Heights, OH is the picture-perfect suburb for good standing families. Then a single mother and her daughter move in and create little "fires" between themselves and a family of five. Everyone has secrets and it is a fascinating read. Recommended.
CURRENTY READING: The Cost Of These Dreams, Wright Thompson.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: Every Note Played, Lisa Genova.
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| Wonderful display window. |
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| View looking into the store from the front entrance. |
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| Magazines everywhere! |
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| Just one of the long shelves of magazines, incredible selection. |
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| Good old fashioned spinner of comic books. |
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| Table display of recent releases near the front entrance. |
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| Lots of travel aids. |
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| Find the perfect tourist postcard just inside the front entrance. |
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| Some great Shinola journals and more. |
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| A few of the items of local and regional interest. |
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| A portion of the books by Michigan authors. |
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| If you're on a budget, find this book rack. |
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| Grab a book off that top shelf and get 20% off. |
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| Have a seat and try out a book. |
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| One of my favorite pictures in any bookstore. |
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| Looking into the children's section. |
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| Partial view of the children's section. |
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| Long view of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance. |
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| Many bookstores have great social advocacy opportunities. |
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| Perfect for keeping your book shopping list on the refrigerator. You better get a large. |
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| With Laurie on the left and Lisa in the middle, two of the fine folks you'll meet at Reader's World. Thanks for a great visit. |
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