Mostly Books - Tucson, AZ

 

Mostly Books, Tucson, AZ

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For the uninformed, the stereotype of one who works in a bookstore is that they get to read all the time.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  On the day of my visit, store manager Jody and bookseller Melissa were swamped with shelving, filling orders, and helping customers.  Additionally, Jody was busy with countless clerical and administrative tasks that need continual attention, as any bookseller knows.  I mention this in appreciation of Jody who despite all this was able to kindly answer my barrage of questions about Mostly Books with patience and calm.  I'm so appreciative of these people who aptly share a little of their time to help me with these write-ups.  Thank you, Jody!

Mostly Books has definitely got things figured out.  They've been in business for 34 years, all in their original space in Monterey Village.  The long, narrow one-level space is arranged to include new and used books and numerous sidelines, an important part of the business.  Customers who bring in books can receive trade in return.  They aren't able to take book donations because of space limitations.  You can find the used books shelved together by genre toward the back of the store.  As for sidelines, you can easily find a gift or something for yourself.  Greeting cards, mugs, lots of magnets, stickers, jewelry, literary-themed teas, t-shirts, and much more.  They were fortunate that they didn't have to shut down during the pandemic and survived by filling online orders, phone orders, and offering curbside pick-up with designated parking.  For customers visiting from out-of-town like myself, I NEVER underestimate the importance of free and easy parking in large cities like Tucson which is exactly what you'll find here.

Mostly Books success and resiliency is all the more impressive when you look down the shopping strip a few businesses and see a large independent chain bookstore.  But don't be distracted.  Mostly Books offers that personal touch that is sometimes hard to find in those larger stores.

If you live in the Tucson area and haven't discovered Mostly Books yet, wow, you are 34 years behind.  Pay a visit to this indie and I guarantee you'll be able to find something before you leave.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Live Wire, Harlan Coben.  I thoroughly enjoy this author and have never been disappointed.  This novel features Myron Bolitar, a sports agent and recurring character who ends up acting more like a private investigator solving crime.  Myron is trying to find his long lost brother, save his clients from drugs and worse, and dealing with organized crime.  This author is always a palate cleanser for me and is very readable.  Recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING: Firekeeper's Daughter, Angeline Boulley. 

One of the many strategies at Mostly Books to navigate the pandemic.  Many bookstores offered this. 

Find out what the cool kids are reading at Mostly Books. 

Lots of display window space. 

If they don't have your book in stock, they'll order it for you. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Head over to the right wall of the store and enjoy this view. 

View looking straight down the middle of the store. 

Arizona Wildcat fans this is a must read.  Trivia question:  Where was Lute a legend before coming to Arizona?  The University of Iowa.

Find your Valentine a gift and a card all in one stop. 

Then get the gift bag at the checkout counter. 

The varieties of magnets and stickers are endless. 

One of the many book nooks. 

Outlander fans might want to get their hands on this. 

Almost every indie offers items for any budget. 

I love all the quirks and oddities I discover on bookstore visits. 

The answer is yes, you'll need this. 

Partial view looking into the children's room. 

Head to this back corner of the store and discover an assortment of used mysteries. 

Keep going, there's more books. 

Another room to discover in the back of the store, especially for romance fans. 

I always enjoy seeing what the local book clubs are reading. 

I know many senior citizens who are appreciative of stores with large print sections. 

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

You'll find a variety of mugs here. 

Literary teas. 

You'll be able to find a gift for just about anyone. 

The store has an extensive inventory of greeting cards. 

With Jody, the fine store manager at Mostly Books.  Thanks for a great visit.