Bent Oak Books - Ft. Madison, IA

Bent Oak Books, Ft. Madison, IA

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Well, like so many other bookstores that I follow from their beginnings, I just couldn't wait to visit this new one in the small Mississippi River town of Ft. Madison, IA.  Bent Oak Books has been open for only a little over two months.  I probably should've waited a little longer since owner Danette B. is still learning the ropes and finding her way.  Since Ft. Madison has been without a bookstore for a few years, Danette was determined to fill that void.  What she might lack in experience she makes up for with passion, personality, and energy.  Having visited many bookstores, I'm 100% confident that this place will bloom and grow.  

When I entered this bookstore the first word that came to mind was cozy.  The kind of space where you could find a comfy seat, enjoy a hot or cold beverage, and try out a book.  That's exactly what Danette told me she was aiming for.  Heck, that couch is so comfy I heard you could even take a nap on it.  The store offers an assortment of new and used books as well as some vintage and collectible editions.  Danette is beginning to see an increase in the used books coming in, many of which are donated.  At this time, purchasing online is not offered but might be sometime in the future.  Sidelines include greeting cards, stickers, games, and bath bombs to name a few.  But the hottest sidelines here are anything Taylor Swift related.  This would seem like a natural option for any independent bookstore and I'm surprised I haven't seen more of it.  The children's section is just inside the front entrance and the store already offers a regular story time in that area.  The store has a great living room space and is happy to host local book clubs.  If you're starting a book club in Ft. Madison, bring them here for their meeting.  Bottom line?  Things are going great and community support has been outstanding.  Way to go Ft. Madison!

The inspiration for the store name, a great story. 

Best of all is the store name, Bent Oak Books, and the story behind it.  The Bent Oak Lodge sign in the store used to be part of an archway you'd drive under to visit her in-laws at their home.  It was here that she had many memories with them and her future husband.  This was where he proposed to her and with that in mind, this sign and now this store are part of her history and journey.  An excellent way to honor the past and look to the future.  Congratulations Danette and Ft. Madison!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and The American Struggle, Jon Meacham.  I like this historian/author and the research he did for this book is incredible.  The most recent work in the long line of Lincoln bibliography and for fans of this genre, it won't disappoint.  The author is so brilliant that there are stretches that are challenging but this is still worth it. 

CURRENTLY READING:  The Cactus League, Emily Nemens. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Tailspin, John Armbruster.  The Beatles, Judy Katschke (a Little Golden Book)

Beautiful storefront in a historic building. 

I love stores that offer an outside seating option. 

Another view of the storefront. 

Step into the street in front of the store and you'll get a great view of the Mississippi River, only a block and a half away. 

One of the two spacious front display windows. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Directly to the left from the front entrance you'll see the children's area. 

Recent releases displayed just inside the entrance. 

Head to the right after entering and enjoy this comfy seat. 

If a hot beverage isn't your thing, grab a cold one to sip while you browse. 

Attractive display placed just ahead of the center of the store. 

A few of the sidelines available. 

Bent Oak offers vintage and collectible editions.  These are just a few. 

Lots of great gift ideas. 

A few of the greeting cards offered. 

I call this the Taylor Swift shrine.  If you're a Swiftie in the Ft. Madison area this is a must see. 

The bath bombs have sold well. 

Enjoy a hot beverage while you browse. 

Cat people and dog people are covered. 

I love this living room area in the center of the store.  Book clubs should ask about meeting here. 

A game of chess in between browsing. 

Another overview of the living room area. 

Head to the left side of the store and start your browsing. 

Very cool browser-friendly display. 

If you're looking for a bargain, head to this display in the back of the store. 

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

Head to the back and curl around to the right into this small room for additional used books. 

If you're a Sarah Maas fan, Bent Oak has you covered. 

These are the perfect cushions for the kids who come to story time. 

There are even bargains in the children's books. 

With Danette, the fine owner at Bent Oak Books.  Thanks for a great visit.