The Bookstore - Pine City, MN

 

The Bookstore, Pine City, MN

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It would be so easy to write a couple of short sentences about this bookstore and call it good.  But it is so much more than three rooms and a hallway.  This bookstore has a sparkle, spirit, and an energy that is a reflection of the owner, Dana P., the charming and enthusiastic owner of The Bookstore.  This indie has been open for about 6 months and Dana and the town are equally thrilled about this new business.  Compare it to the starving man who goes to a buffet.  This community of readers is that starving man and The Bookstore is the only buffet in a large county.  Or as Dana puts it, a bookstore desert.  The owner of the building feels so strongly about the importance of a bookstore that Dana has been given a very favorable lease.  In 6 short months the store is off to a fantastic start, heartily supported by a community of approximately 3000, and now looks forward optimistically to a successful holiday season.  

The store offers a 50/50 mix of new and used books and the people are so happy to have a bookstore most of the used books are donated.  There are a mix of sidelines including bookstore t-shirts, tote bags, greeting cards, and journals to name just a few.  They offer online ordering and that has gone well so far.  I think best of all for The Bookstore is its excellent location on a busy street with other businesses and right across the street from Robinson Park, the main city park.  For example, when the park hosts weekly music in the summers the bookstore has an author signing on the sidewalk outside the store.  The frequent events held in the park naturally leads to good foot traffic for the store.  And the store already hosts two book clubs, one for elementary and one for adults where they'll have their next meeting at a local brewery.  Well done, Dana.

But the name of the store, The Bookstore?  Really?  As Dana explained, when their family would travel through towns they would be frustrated by businesses with names that gave them no indication of what they sold.  So, Dana decided to leave NO doubt about the identity of her business and what they sold at The Bookstore.  Congratulations to Pine City and Dana on this essential new local business.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Dry, Jane Harper.  In the parched dry land of Australia, desperate times lead to desperate measures and a husband and father takes the life of his wife, small son, and himself.  A cut and dried obvious double murder/suicide that stuns the community.  But a former resident and friend of the killer comes back and starts digging into these events and is not so sure.  An ending you don't see coming. Recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  How The Word Is Passed, Clint Smith. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Evergreen Tidings From The Baumgartners, Gretchen Anthony.  Not purchased but gifted, my very own bookstore t-shirt and a bookstore tote bag.  Thanks Dana!

Beautiful storefront.  You can tell by the name of the store what they sell!

Beautiful front display window featuring the locally created store design. 

It's always nice to start the shopping outside when the weather's nice. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  As you go down this hallway you'll find two rooms on the left completely filled with books. 

Stepping into the store and looking to the left. 

You'll find a variety of sidelines in the front of the store underneath their creative store logo. 

The back room is devoted to children but they might also find some interesting items displayed below the checkout counter. 

If you live in Pine City, get your bookstore shirt here. 

A few of the items in nonfiction and graphic novels can be found here. 

The store has a great location right across the street from Robinson Park.  The photographer did a bad job of capturing the park's enormity and beauty. 

First room down the hallway, loaded with fiction and mysteries among other things. 

A few of the fiction offerings.  You'll find recommendations throughout the store noted by the blue pieces of paper, shelf-talkers. 

This is the second room on the left down the hallway.  Kids are going to love this section. 

Attractive book display just inside the children's room. 

Grumpy Monkey = happy kids. 

There are book displays for all ages in the kids' room. 

Need a new journal or know someone who does?  Send them here. 

With Dana, the fine owner at The Bookstore.  Thanks for a great visit.