Four Pines Bookstore - Bimidji, MN

Four Pines Bookstore, Bemidji, MN

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Four Pines Bookstore is situated ideally in downtown Bimidji and along the main road through town.  Across this main road is a beautiful lakeside park and the picturesque Bimidji Lake??  This location allows Four Pines to be very opportunistic with many community events all of which are a great boost for local businesses like Four Pines.  Many bookstores I’ve visited are able to take advantage of their locations with events like a farmer’s market, art festival, founder’s day, etc.  But never have I heard of a bookstore that enjoyed a festival of unicycles, Unicon.  Yes, with 900 some unicyclists swamping the downtown area there’s bound to be a few readers in that group that make their way to Four Pines Bookstore.

Four Pines has been in business for three years and as booksellers Rachel and Josie told me things are going well.  Bemidji is a summer tourist destination making this bookstore an important part of that experience.  They enjoy their local regular customers and their annual regular tourist customers (repeat customers should make sure to take advantage of the loyal rewards program).  The store offers all new books and numerous sidelines.  The stickers and puzzles sell well but there are many more including bookstore candles, greeting cards, store merch, and quirky socks to name a few.  If you can’t visit in person go to the store website and order online.  Rachel’s talents got the website updated for this and she’s also responsible for creating some of the store’s stickers.  Way to go, Rachel.

There were several areas that I thought were especially good.  The display of books by Minnesota authors was outstanding.  I’ve read many of these authors and have enjoyed them all.  The books by indigenous authors and indigenous themes were also excellent and very relevant for this region.  Finally, there are a good number of books that will interest tourists about hiking, recreation, and nature.

Owner Gina G. was not here on this day but man, she had the “A” team here in her place.  Rachel and Josie were the best and they can talk books as good as anyone.  One of the best reasons to visit a bookstore is meeting the terrific people who work there.  That’s the wonderful experience that awaits you at this impressive bookstore.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The White Umbrella, Brian Sewell.  Mr. B. is a Londoner with a film crew in Pakistan when he discovers an abandoned donkey and he immediately makes the decision that he will take care of her and bring her back to London with him, even if they have to walk.  This is the beginning of an adventure that takes them through southern Asia, the Mideast, and into Europe with adventures galore.  A charming tale as old as time about the love between a person and an animal.   

CURRENTLY READING:  Where Wolves Don't Die, Anton Treuer. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Quarry Girls, Jess Lourey.   Where Wolves Don't Die, Anton Treuer. 

 

Neat and clean store exterior. 

This is a wonderful display window, apologies for the glare. 

View looking into the store from the front entrance. 

Looking to the right from the front entrance. 

Looking to the left from the front entrance. 

We all know someone who would be perfect for this cap. 

Updated versions of old-school games. 

Buy some tea and a perfect book to go with it. 

Yes, you will need this. 

I love this wall display of books by Minnesota authors, on the left wall after you enter. 

Attractive display of best-sellers. 

This variety of sidelines can be found on the right side of the store after entering. 

A perfect area in the front of the store to sit and sample a book. 

Hey Bimidji, winter's coming.  Do you have enough puzzles?  Of course not! Find your way to this display and stock up. 

Beautiful Four Pines sweatshirt. 

The store offers many works by indigenous authors and indigenous topics. 

Overview of the left side of the store.

Just a few of the stickers available.  Find these at the checkout counter. 

Keep an eye on the events board when you visit the store. 

A splendid variety of books and sidelines.  Right side of the store after the checkout counter. 

How many bookstores have a table devoted to Paul Bunyan items? 

The Paul Bunyan puzzle.  Probably difficult to find in other areas of the country so get it here!

Looking into the children's area. 

Book-themed candles are popular in many bookstores. 

Go to the left side of the store and start browsing. 

Great ideas for visitors to the area. 

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

Some of the distractions kids will enjoy. 

Last year's Christmas Window Display winner. 

With Josie on the left and Rachel in the center, two of the fine booksellers at Four Pines Bookstore (showing their staff picks that I fell for!).  Thanks for a great visit.