Books Galore - Festus, MO

Books Galore, Festus, MO.

(Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on Twitter)

When you visit Books Galore in Festus you're going to thoroughly enjoy meeting three rock stars who can do it all.  Each one of them can take in books, sell books, and STILL entertain a wayward traveler who visits independent bookstores.  Husband and wife John and Kendall along with Kendall's mother Barbara are knowledgeable, efficient (thanks to Barbara's organizational talents), conversant, and darn nice people.  Exactly what I see at all the good ones.  But I doubt if this is a surprise to any of the regular customers.  After all, there must be a reason Books Galore has been in business since 1997.  And on the week day morning of my visit, I had a first-hand view of the store's success with lots of customers bringing books in, others buying books, and a wide range of customers from children to senior citizens.  Seems to me 1997 is just the beginning of what should be a long, successful run.

The store has been in several locations over the years but has now been in its current location for about 6 years.  It has a very visible location on busy Main St. and neighbors with city hall, the courthouse, the library, and several small businesses.  Books Galore offers an inventory of over 75,000 books as well as movies, music on CDs, vinyl, cassette, and 8-track, and video games.  They also have vintage and collectable books.  If you can't make it to the store, consider making your purchase online.  This indie also enjoys a partnership with local schools providing books that are on their class lists, a great way to reinforce the importance of buy local, shop local.

The collapse of Waldenbach Books and B. Dalton is what gave birth to Books Galore.  John and Barbara were former employees at those chains and proceeded to put their talents to good use at an independent bookstore.  The Festus area is all the better for it.  This bookstore is a jewel and when you visit it might take you awhile to browse the large one-level space.  As Barbara told me, a customer told her she didn't have enough time to cover the whole store so Barbara told her to come back again and pack a lunch.  Plan on it.  Enjoy visiting this wonderful independent bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  The Haunted Bookshop, Christopher Morley.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  A Nail Through The Heart, Timothy Hallinan.

The storefront window display leaves no doubt as to what is offered here.  

Don't mind if I do.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  Habitual readers will undoubtedly recognize the celebrity rushing in front of my camera to browse the books.  Yes, that's my mom.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  It's a sea of books.  Start swimming.  

View looking to the left of the front entrance.  

Display of current and relevant events.  

Attractive display near the front entrance.  

A portion of some of the DVDs located near the front of the store.  

Two great places to have a seat and try a book.  

This nook of fiction can be found just to the left after entering the store.  

A large section of classics.  

Partial view of the children's area.  

Near the back of the store you'll find a large selection of music on vinyl.  

Hello Judy.

Just a few of the vintage and collectables available.  

If you're a collector of 45s, look for these at a great price near the back of the store.  

Good assortment of music and music instruction.  

Lots of romance offered.   

Speaking of romance, hello Marilyn.  

That's what I call a long wall of books.  

Bring your book club in and have a seat here to discuss your next book.  

Some very fine book art.  

I would suggest the same at all indies.  

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

Just a few of the vintage editions offered.  

Find some video games at great prices.  

From L-R:  John, yours truly, Kendall, and Barbara.  The fine folks you'll meet at Books Galore.  Thanks for a great visit.