Curiosity Books & Gifts - Pella, IA

Curiosity Books & Gifts, Pella, IA

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Psst.  Hey Iowa... you've got an absolute gem of a bookstore in the middle of your state.  I've known about this one ever since it opened and it is now approaching its one-year anniversary in October.  If you're reading this, consider it a hidden treasure no more.  When owner Tricia opened this she did it right.  As assistant manager Amy told me, the store is a reflection of Tricia's brain.  After visiting this store all I can say is, what a brain!

Curiosity Books & Gifts has an excellent location in the busy downtown business district just off the square.  When you enter this bookstore the interior decor and trim cannot be overstated and is simply beautiful.  The main and lower levels are both tastefully and creatively decorated and my pictures below really don't do it justice.  The store is stocked with all new books and an abundance of unique sidelines or as they're called here, curiosities.  The curiosities offered include some I've not seen as frequently.  Naturally, their stickers are selling very well (and they have a wide variety) but they also offer greeting cards, puzzles, games, journals, and a line of items from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild, and one of my favorites, a line of candles from the Malicious Women Company.  With the books, always remember if they don't have a book you're looking for they can easily order it.  Or you can order online off of their website, a part of their business they hope to grow.    

Pella is a tourist destination in the spring and summer for many attracted to its historic Dutch heritage, culture, and old European beauty.  This bookstore is the perfect fit for the many tourists who visit here as well as for customers from Des Moines and nearby communities.  All of this in addition to the many local regulars and families.  They also hope to attract more traffic from the local college in town, Central College.

I didn't get to meet Tricia on this visit but Amy and Mary were wonderful to meet and visit with.  I'm so lucky to meet people like this on my journey.

If you're in Pella and haven't been here yet you're missing out.  What a terrific new bookstore that offers something for everyone.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Perfect Family, Robyn Family.  Wow.  Don't believe the title because this isn't the perfect family.  Family of 4 that slowly descends into madness as told alternatively by each family member, each one with their own secrets to hide.  As the family and their house starts being harassed and vandalized, things go from bad to worse.  What a story!  Recommended. 

CURRENTLY READING:  A Thread of Grace, Mary Doria Russell.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Thurber Carnival, James Thurber.  

While in Pella take time to enjoy the rich Dutch heritage found everywhere in the community. 

Artistry on view in the beautiful front window display. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  I love the floor design. 

Attractive book display slightly to the right after entering. 

I love this little nook for two on the right side of the store. 

If the bench seats in that nook are too hard try these comfy looking chairs in the front of the store. 

Just a few of the greeting cards available, near the front entrance. 

A great idea for repurposing old book covers. 

For those of us who break or lose or readers, thank you. 

A wonderful wall to browse on the left side of the store. 

The interior decor can be seen displayed throughout the store.  I thought it was impressive. 

The store offers a line of items from The Unemployed Philosophers Guild. 

For example, who couldn't use some "Stiff Upper Lip Balm."  Clever. 

Just a portion of the classics available. 

Consider a cold beverage as you browse. 

Very attractive backdrop behind the checkout counter. 

I absolutely love this and don't think I've seen anything like it anywhere.  Consider this an up to date scoreboard of the store's followers on Instagram and Facebook.  It is hooked up to the internet and the figures change immediately when someone likes or follows the store.  Mary gave me a demo and it is way cool. 

One of the better variety of stickers I've seen. 

Back of the store and the view looking into the children's area. 

Two comfy little seats for two little readers. 

Overview of the spacious children's area. 

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

Love it!  Doesn't everyone know someone who would be perfect for a gift like this?

A very creative design of moss along the wall heading downstairs to the lower level. 

Looking into the lower level from the stairway. 

Overview of the lower level. 

An example of some of the interior decor. 

Stop in for a game of chess. 

The perfect place to relax with a book. 

A nice activity area for little readers. 

Puzzles are successful in many bookstores. 

Another view of the lower level. 

With Mary, one of the fine booksellers at Curiosity Books & Gifts.  Thanks for a great visit.