Flagship Books - Kansas City, KS

Flagship Books, Kansas City, KS

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The co-owners at Flagship Books make a perfect team for bookstore ownership, each with their own individual talents that make it an excellent fit.  Ty M. teaches English away from the bookstore making him the “book” person.  Joel M.’s job away from the bookstore is in real estate making him the “business” person of the team.  Best of all, these owners are brothers which adds up to a successful combination for owning a bookstore.  Congratulations Ty, Joel, and Strawberry Hill.  

Flagship Books and its owners have been on quite a journey in its short existence.  The current location in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood is the 3rd location in three years.  Initially, the bookstore was operating out of a shipping container.  With that beginning, the name of the store became Flagship and it took on a nautical theme.  Then they moved to a space not far from the current location, which is now the best yet with an improved and larger space.

The current space is stocked with new and used books, generally organized with new books on the left side of the store and used books on the right.  Customers who bring in books can receive store credit in return but some customers simply donate their books.  There are a few sidelines including stickers, greeting cards, journals, and puzzles but this indie is mostly books.  I thought the used books were very well-curated.  Best of all for the store’s location is the monthly art walk held in the neighborhood which helps bring customers into the store.  

This is a true neighborhood bookstore and many of its customers can easily walk here form the many nearby residential streets.  But you know what?  You don’t have to be a neighbor to visit this bookstore.  Heck, I drove all the way here to pay a visit so certainly anybody in the nearby Kansas City area could do the same.  Easy, free on-street parking makes it a cinch.   Pay brothers Ty and Joel a visit and enjoy another one of Kansas City’s fine independent bookstores.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  Wellness, Nathan Hill.  Story of two students living across from each other in downtown Chicago.  They meet, date, marry, have a troublesome toddler, and the marriage begins to wane.  This book started out good for me but really bogged down into boring by halfway through.  I did like this author’s previous novel, The Nix.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Small Mercies, Dennis Lehane.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:   The Fire Next Time, James Baldwin. 

 

The only thing missing from this picture is you and your book. 

Some great bargains before you even enter the store. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Yes, yes, and yes. 

Head over to the left side of the store for this display of a few of the books by local authors

Go for a browse along the left wall of bookshelves that offers all new books. 

A few of the puzzles offered. 

Near the front of the store are a variety of plants available for sale as part of another business. 

Always consider joining your local book club. 

Just a few of the stickers. 

I love this map of Kansas City that you can see on the right wall but this wasn't planned by the bookstore.  It was here for the real estate office that used to be in this space.

An overview of the middle of the store and a neat sitting area. 

Looking into the children's corner of the store. 

Young readers and young at heart readers should go to these shelves. 

A great room and space for friends, groups, or book clubs. 

A few of the greeting cards available. 

An overview on the right side of the store. 

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

This is the kind of crowd found monthly on the street in front of the store, the art walk.  What a great event and boost for the bookstore. 

With Joel on the left and Ty on the right, the fine co-owners at Flagship Books.  Thanks for a great visit.