Books & Bakery - Carroll, IA

 

Books & Bakery, Carroll, IA

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I'm continually amazed at this point in my journey that I still see and hear about new things.  Over 500 bookstores visited (this one is #539 to be exact) and I never knew about a bookstore sleep-over for stuffed animals.  For Books & Bakery, this event was a huge success.  A story time for kids where they bring their favorite stuffed friend and then leave it in the bookstore over night with all the other stuffed friends.  They return the next morning to reclaim their stuffed friend and return it safely to its home.  This is a great idea on so many levels.  If nothing else, a great time for the kids but also a wonderful way to bring people into the store a couple of times.   

The origins of Books & Bakery were in owner Kenzie C.'s home selling books from there as well as online.  It was only a matter of time until it became a brick and mortar.  It's a newbie and hasn't even been open two years so they are continuing to find their way.  They offer new and used books in a very spacious one-level area.  Used books are accepted as donations only and are shelved right beside the new ones.  They have several sidelines but the best ones are the ones for kids and the stickers (these are hot everywhere).  In the back of the store there is space for local vendors to display their items.  One more way to bring people into the store and also add to the store's revenue since they receive a small cut.  If you can't make it here in person, you always have the option of making a purchase online.

I didn't get to meet Kenzie but I had a great time meeting her mother Nichole.  This was Kenzie's dream to open a bookstore.  The mother and daughter co-own the store and I think they're off to a great start.

This new indie is a big deal in this part of Iowa because there isn't anything else like it nearby.  Carroll has a population of approximately 10,000 and Nichole without hesitation told me they have many regulars.  But what about the rest of you people?  If you're in Carroll or anywhere within shouting distance, make your way to this bookstore.  You'll have a great time and easily find something you like.  Remember, buy local, shop local.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Born A Crime, Trevor Noah.  The author relates his experience growing up as apartheid ended in Southern African.  Raised mostly by a very devoted mother, he talks about his challenges blending in with others due to his own racial ambiguity.  He was in and out of trouble but survived it all to become the celebrity he is today.  Highly recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  Rules Of Civility, Amor Towles. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Notes On An Execution, Danya Kukafka. 

A beautiful storefront in a great location downtown surrounded by many retail businesses. 

They have lots of options with this large front display window. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

Yes you'll need one, conveniently located near the front door.  Maybe even consider two. 

Not sure I've seen this line of candles.  I love the names. 

Something for the budding artist. 

My favorite part of the store is this long wall of books.  Let the browsing begin. 

"I can't remember the title of the book but I know it was red."  Problem solved. 

Popular books written by a famous name. 

Like many other bookstores, this has been a popular promotion here. 

A few of the greeting cards available. 

One of each would be a good idea. 

A few of the t-shirts offered. 

Colleen Hoover fans will enjoy this display. 

A few of the books offered by local authors. 

Consider adding one of these totes to your purchase to carry everything you get. 

Partial view of the children's area. 

One of the children's rooms with a little bench and a little chair for a little reader. 

Lower level in the back of the store featuring numerous items from local vendors. 

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

150-piece Harry Potter micro puzzles.  I'm not a puzzle person but I'm fascinated by these. 

This is what happens when I try to do a selfie. 

After several attempts, a respectable outcome!  With Nichole, one of the fine owners at Books & Bakery.  Thanks for a great visit.