The Indie Bob Spot: The Nook Bookstore

The Nook Bookstore, Cedar Falls, IA

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Cedar Falls, IA is one of the towns I’ve kept an eye on for a long time because I couldn’t believe they didn’t have a bookstore. After all, Cedar Falls has a healthy population of approximately 40,000 and is home to a major university, the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Husband/wife owners Brandon and Abby thought the same thing and decided to take action. They decided to jump in with both feet and thanks to Abby’s dad, Brandon’s sister, and other relatives (it takes a village, as you indie owners know) their dreams were realized with a now 5-month old bookstore that is off to a fantastic start and doing very well. Way to go, Cedar Falls!

When you enter this store, the organization is very apparent. In general, books on the right, sidelines and gifts on the left. The one-level space offers all new books with the exception of a few used books accepted as donations only. Slowly but surely, they’re widening their scope that just lately began to offer online sales. They've recently hired an events coordinator that will soon become part of the store’s vision. The Nook already has three book clubs and that number will soon expand. And most exciting of all, the store will soon be expanding its space into an empty store next door. They hope to offer a cafe service, expanded hours, and of course more books, possibly including more used books.

The first thing I thought of when I saw the sidelines was, man, they sure do have a lot of candles. Well DUH, that’s because Brandon makes them! What a great way to reduce overhead. They have the same quirky names as candles found in other bookstores. In fact, you might see some of Brandon’s candles that he’s sold to other bookstores. And if you have a quirky name for a candle he can personalize it for you. Brandon’s wife Abby also creates sidelines for the store including earrings, tote bags, and t-shirts to name just a few.

The Nook has a great location on Main St. in downtown Cedar Falls surrounded by many interesting and unique small businesses, making foot traffic very attractive and easy. The store has a solid core of regulars and sees customers from the university community as well. Despite that, I’m sure that there are many more new customers that need to discover this terrific bookstore. Check The Nook out and enjoy this new business that completes the downtown community. Congratulations Brandon and Abby! Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Still True, Maggie Ginsberg. The small town of Anthem, WI is a place for small-town secrets and curious relationships. A married couple that doesn’t live together; a school administrator with an alcoholic wife; their small child who is the best friend of a lonely fix-it man; and his wife with many secrets in her past he never knew of. Another great Wisconsin author.

CURRENTLY READING: Under The Henfluence, Tove Danovich.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: All The Sinners Bleed, S. A. Crosby.

Brandon and Abby are very excited about The Nook's future. This is a "before" picture. Very soon, the bookstore will be expanding into the business on the right.

A portion of the display window space.

Creatively designed sidewalk sign.

Father's Day is right around the corner. The Nook has you covered.

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

Looking to the right from the front entrance.

Lots of gift ideas immediately to the left after entering.

Check out all these candles. And these are only some of them in. Brandon makes many of the candles, a huge benefit for the store since he's the co-owner.

They even have "staff pick" candles. I love it!

Attractive table display of new releases inside the front entrance.

Yes, they have candles! And Brandon can create one and give it whatever quirky name you want.

Along the right side of the store. The store will soon expand its space into the empty adjacent business behind this wall.

Of course!

It's always fun when you visit a bookstore to find out what the book clubs are reading.

Pineapple and coconut lip balm? Who knew!

It's tulip season and this bookstore has them right next to the checkout counter.

Display of books near the checkout counter.

Display of unique books and candles.

Just a few of the books of local and regional interest.

Nice arrangement of books in the children's area.

The perfect setting to enjoy a book, in the back of the store.

Overview of the back of the store.

View looking from the back of the store toward the front entrance. Some readers might recognize The Indie Bob Spot Director and Bookstore Ambassador, Michelle T.