The Indie Bob Spot: Republic of Letters

Republic of Letters, Mineral Point, WI

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Over the years I've been to Mineral Point many times and its one of those towns that I could never understand why they didn't have an independent bookstore. Historic downtown district with beautiful stone buildings, many independent businesses, and a renowned and legendary artist's colony dating back over a century. Thankfully, partners Keith and Leslie were wondering the same thing as me and they decided to act. As Keith said, this town needs a bookstore. The results? See for yourself in the pictures below. A beautiful and creatively designed interior offering new and used books in a spacious, bright space located in the middle of downtown. And I'm happy to say that in the 8 short months of existence it is off to a successful start and poised for an exciting future. Congratulations Keith and Leslie!

Keith is so excited about this store and told me of all the great local connections that complement the store's business. There are so many I won't even be able to tell you all of them. For example, the local librarians were so happy to have a bookstore that they were trying to order books before the store even opened. The store also enjoys a partnership with the local schools and held an event with a well-known author who said it was the largest crowd ever for one of her events. Every spring there is a Writer's Retreat, held in May this year, in town and some of those participants share their work through events held in the store.

You'll notice few to no sidelines when you visit Republic of Letters and that's by design. It's so encouraging that the store is doing very well selling just books, especially in a town of approximately 2600. In addition to the core of regular customers, they also see visitors from surrounding communities and from Madison (this town is considered part of the Greater Madison area). To make up for an absence of sidelines, there is a space in the back of the store called The Book Kitchen. In less than a month The Book Kitchen owner Nicole has hosted numerous events, for all levels and interests of cooking classes. She has an incredible kitchen work space that resembles a large classroom and a great demonstration station. They use cookbooks for many events that are available in the bookstore and best of all is that everyone that goes to these events has to walk through the bookstore to get there. A wonderful partnership for both businesses.

If you're in this region and haven't visited Republic of Letters yet you're missing out. Don't walk, SPRINT, to this fantastic bookstore and discover a terrific bookstore experience with Keith and Leslie and enjoy the energy of their enthusiasm and the excitement of optimism in Mineral Point. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Librarianist, Patrick deWitt. Yes, the main character is a retired librarian. But if you're expecting a book about him and libraries you'll be disappointed. In retirement, he decides to become a volunteer in a senior citizen center. While there, he discovers that one of the more troubled seniors has a close connection to his life decades earlier and is now unrecognizable. Includes a couple of flashbacks to major moments in the librarian's life. This one is a bit slow-paced.

CURRENTLY READING: Lean On Pete, Willy Vlautin.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Still True, Maggie Ginsberg. A Winter's Rime, Carol Dunbar.

Beautiful storefront on a beautiful winter day.

The bookstore building is recognized as a historic place. History buffs will enjoy exploring this town and region.

There aren't many winter days that allow for bargain browsing OUTSIDE before entering the store.

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

A very comfy setting to the right after entering the store. Grab a book, settle in, and give it a try.

This beautiful decorative lighting is Leslie's touch.

Display of recent releases. This display table was crafted by a local artisan who is in demand for his creative work. He donated it to the bookstore.

Colorful table covering adding to the artistic interior beauty.

Just to the left after entering is another display of the recent releases and a few of the sidelines.

Yes, you'll need to get one of these for all your books.

ALWAYS ask your independent bookstore about gift cards.

You'll be able to get The Republic of Letters at the Republic of Letters.

The bookstore has an excellent section of cookbooks which pair nicely with The Book Kitchen located in the back of the store.

Attractively wrapped Blind Date With A Book promotion.

An upcoming event in the Book Kitchen will feature a recipe from this book.

Go to the center of the store and enjoy this seat with a friend.

Overview of the children's area. Behind this you'll find the Book Kitchen.

The nice thing about The Book Kitchen is not only their wide variety of events but all of the participants can enjoy walking through the bookstore to get here. What a great set-up!