The Indie Bob Spot: TAiLS of A Bookworm

TAiLS of A Bookworm, Pekin, IL

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Almost every bookstore I've been to has a component devoted to a social cause within their community. There are a handful that I've been to that are nearly 100% non-profit and their sales are dedicated to local causes. That's the case with this wonderful indie in Pekin, IL, TAiLS of A Bookworm, an acronym of Tazewell Animal Improvement of Life Society. If you're reading this, I know you're a bookworm and chances are many of you have fur babies. Well, brace yourself for a double dose of heaven when you visit here. It's practically half bookstore, half pet store making it a must see.

Noah is one hip bookstore cat. Pay him a visit.

There's been a bookstore in this space since 2007 but it has been in its current non-profit configuration since 2019. The store offers new and used books and unlike some indies with used books, they know exactly what they have here with everything on a data base. Customers who bring books in can receive store credit for trade but some will simply donate their used books. Store manager Chad K. told me they have to be a little picky about what they accept due to the stores' space but they have options in the community with organizations who will take their donated books. As for sidelines, they have many things here for those fur babies. They even have cats in the store available for adoption but all had been adopted out on the day of my visit. Like many of my recent visits, the stickers are hot here and they also have greeting cards, candles, t-shirts (featuring Noah, the bookstore cat and ambassador), puzzles, wacky socks, and just about anything else found in other top bookstores.

I had a great time meeting Chad and Noah and hearing about the stores' mission of providing resources for animals. Everything from adoption, to medicine, supplies, and improving the local animal shelter. But I'm bothered that many in the community don't know about this bookstore and its admirable mission. In fact, a customer came in during my visit and was in awe, asking have you always been here?, how long have you been here? Pekin, wake-up and smell the coffee! Like Chad said, some people come in just to see Noah. And some people come in for a book and adopt a cat. What a great cause and vital part of the business community serving Pekin. Way to go Tazewell Animal Improvement of Life Society. Buy a book and save a cat. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Beheld, Tarashea Nesbit. Meh. The premise of a murder in the newly found Plymouth village seemed good but the author didn't convey it in a very exciting manner. Heck, it took forever before we even got to the murder. Also, lots of back story which slowed the plot even more. For those interested in this period of American history it might work but it didn't work for me.

CURRENTLY READING: Time Was Soft There, Jeremy Mercer.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Wacky socks and dog treats.

TAiLS of A Bookworm is on the lower level.

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

Looking to the right from the front entrance.

Looking to the left from the front entrance. See that blue shopping basket in the lower left? Grab it, you're going to need it.

This is only a small portion of the stickers you can find here. They have an incredible assortment.

The bargain table near the front of the store.

Tik Tok is a thing for book recommendations.

I occasionally comment about adults or children who will love the store. In this case, your pets will love the store!

Mugs make great gifts.

Find this spinner near the front of the store for book bargains.

A few of the greeting cards available.

Have a comfy seat and try out a book but don't be surprised if Noah visits you.

Get ready to browse this beautiful wall of books on the right side of the store.

I used to see this promotion in just a few bookstores but it has really spread and now I see it almost everywhere. I love it.

One of the long book aisles.

The new books are selling fast.

You'll find new and used books in the store.

A few of the classics offered.

Popular candles.

A little chair for a little reader.

You might want to consider a tote for all the books you'll buy.

I always enjoy seeing the new release display.

Noah reading a book?

A really good assortment of wacky socks.

Something from the Candy Club....

...or Hammond's Finest chocolate.

Normally, these kennels have cats in them for adoption but they were empty on the day of my visit. There have been instances when some will come to the store for a book but walk out with a cat. Way to go Bookworm!