Storyhouse Bookpub - Des Moines, IA

 

Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines, IA

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For as long as I've been on this journey, I've always felt that Des Moines has been underserved when it comes to independent bookstores.  The metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs has a population of approximately 700,000+ and is growing.  They have a couple of the large chain bookstores but only two indies of note that I know of.  Given the population and forecasted growth, I find this to be on the light side for independent bookstores.  But I'm here to tell you that things may be changing.  A new indie is on the horizon for 2023 and now the very hip East Village has a new independent bookstore that has been in place for about a year and a half.  The good news here for Storyhouse Bookpub is in their short time they're not just surviving they're thriving and having great success in the perfect location on the very busy stretch of Grand Ave.

Abbey P. is the enthusiastic owner of this one-level bookstore with very convenient meter parking on the street.  I always worry about bookstores in an area like this for fear they might be challenged by an unreasonable lease.  Not so for Storyhouse, located adjacent to Raygun, the large anchor store of a very popular business that sells uniquely created t-shirts, among other things.  Thanks to the Raygun owner who owns the bookstore space, he understands the importance of small independent businesses which is so beneficial for Abbey and the store.

Abbey and her husband have come a long ways from when they started their business as a pop-up and by selling books out of their garage.  From those small beginnings you'll now enjoy an attractive interior offering all new books and a very comfy and cozy children's area.  I think the inventory of books here is outstanding considering the size of the store.  The sidelines are limited but include greeting cards, puzzles, bookstore swag, and candles.  Many of these items are sourced locally.  The store is also active with author events which they can hold in the large space next door at Raygun.  They're already active with a monthly book club.  This district is surrounded with an abundance of urban condo living options filled with young professionals, an advantageous area for built-in customers.

I can tell after meeting Abbey that this store has a bright future.  Yet, some in the area don't even know about it yet.  Time to climb on board, Des Moines.  Storyhouse Bookpub is on the forefront of a re-emergence of independent bookstores in your area.  Check this place out and enjoy something that is finally returning to your city.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Man Who Lived Underground, Richard Wright.  Previously unpublished but recently released.  The all too familiar story of an innocent Black man being accused of a crime he didn't commit and forced to sign a confession.  He escapes from a hospital, where he is allowed to visit his pregnant wife, by climbing down a manhole into the sewer system where he finds a completely different world.  My favorite book by this author is Native Son. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Indian Horse, Richard Wagamese. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Godspeed, Nickolas Butler. 

Where can you find Storyhouse Bookpub?  In Des Moines's historic East Village. 

Directions:  1) Go into Storyhouse and buy a book.  2) Go around the corner to Daisy Chain Coffee and get something to sip.  3) Return here and enjoy your leisure. 

Visit the bookstore on a nice day and checkout the great sidewalk bargains. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking directly to the right from the front entrance and you'll see the children's area. 

Excellent table display honoring Native American authors. 

Pick out something written by an Iowa author. 

The greeting cards you'll find here are created locally. 

Most of the greeting cards are right inside the entrance. 

If your favorite author is in this display, you might as well get the book since it's already autographed. 

Some great places to help a child try a book in the children's section. 

Perfect bookstore wall sign.  What do you think Raygun, do you have this on a t-shirt yet?

The first thing I noticed in this picture was the displayed books.  But then I noticed the cool mural on the wall that helped portray the books.  Nice. 

Enter the store and stay to the left.  This is your browsing wall. 

Staff recommendations can be found throughout the store on the shelf talkers, those white tabs of paper hanging from the shelves. 

Man, could I get comfy here. 

Storyhouse picks. 

 

A unique game that might be the perfect pick for a holiday gift. 

Reasonably priced and reissued Penguin classics. 

A really popular book with everyone.  Except me. 

Look for this cart and find more bargains. 

Bookstore gift cards are ALWAYS a great gift idea. 

With Abbey, the fine owner at Storyhouse Bookpub.  Thanks for a great visit.