The Indie Bob Spot: September 2024

Books On Main, Friendship, WI

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Even now, over 600 bookstores into my journey, I continue to enjoy new experiences with the owners I meet. They come to their ownership with a wide range of backgrounds and talents. Jean B, the owner here at Books On Main has a talent and interest in an activity that I know nothing about. She has pigeons and is as knowledgeable about them as she is about books. I also learned that people can even foster pigeons (like Jean and her family) until they can find them a home. Whether you’re a pigeon lover or a book customer, you need to visit this indie for a fun and educational experience.

I have been following this bookstore since they opened about a year ago. My attraction was due to the wonderful name of the town, Friendship. Jean and her husband filled the void in this aptly named town that would obviously deserve a bookstore. Books On Main offers mostly used books along with some new books that include recent releases, best sellers, and some of Jean’s favorites. The offerings in fiction are especially strong. For now, the store accepts used books as donations but might offer something in exchange in the future. And the used books are listed on a store inventory so Jean knows exactly what’s here. There are a variety of sidelines and so far the bookmarks and zodiac pens have done reasonably well. Jean added that the stickers have dropped off a bit which differs from my many recent bookstores visited. The store’s space sat empty for many years and the transformation of the interior is outstanding, turning it into a very attractive bookstore. Nicely done, Jean.

The store’s location in downtown Friendship is perfect for all who visit. These visitors can be regulars who can now take advantage of a store loyalty program or the MANY tourists who come here for boating, fishing, and golf. Friendship is located adjacent to the town of Adams and the combined population gives Books On Main 2000+ customers to draw from. Experience tells me not everyone has discovered this wonderful new bookstore. Hey regulars, be a FRIEND and bring a FRIEND to experience this independent bookstore and its terrific owner in FRIENDSHIP, WI. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Path Lit By Lightning, David Maraniss. As thorough of a Jim Thorpe biography as you'll find. Very thorough with extreme detail that sometimes made it slow going. In addition to all of his athletic success, it offers a closer look at the 1912 Olympics and the challenges and discrimination of Native Americans from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century. Also, much attention given to his troubled life off the playing field. Recommended if you're interested in the subject but it is one big book.

CURRENTLY READING: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, James McBride.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Lion Women of Tehran, Marjan Kamali.

Well said.

This unassuming storefront masks a unique and beautiful interior.

Looking straight into the store from the front entrance.

View looking to the left and through the bookstore from the front entrance. The leafy/ivy ceiling with twinkling lights is really nice.

Preach.

Many of the new books offered can be found on this display just inside the front door.

The banned book display sarcastically wrapped in caution tape.

Here's your bargains, just inside the front door.

I love what Jean has done with the ceiling but this picture doesn't begin to do it justice. Go to the store and see it in person!

The long book shelf in the middle of the store.

A fun activity packet for those who enjoy crafting.

A variety of sidelines can be found on this table display in the center of the store.

Take a chance on a grab bag.

The perfect place to sample a book.

I love this t-shirt.

For those who are regulars to the bookstore and live in the area, this is a great cause.

The perfect reading nook.

Visual confirmation, there is a bathroom.

Looking across the back of the store. Take note Packer fans, a Vince Lombardi book on the near shelf.

Just a few of the books available by local authors.

An overview of the store from back to front.

Yes, get this tote bag and bring it back every time you shop.

The perfect impulse buy at the check out counter. A variety of chocolates.

With Jean, the fine owner at Books On Main. Thanks for a great visit.

Words Worth Books, Waterloo, ON Canada

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Before Words Worth Books, co-owner David W.’s background was in a used book store. If he wants to venture beyond the bookstore business he might have a future in comedy. A really funny and fun guy and the type of person you’d want to go have a beer with at the end of the day. And I can say that with so many more people I’ve met along this journey. Besides this, he’s a very knowledgeable owner and can talk books with the best (unless you’re an enthusiastic sci-fi reader and then you need to talk to John, one of the Words Worth booksellers).

As David and John both told me, this is pretty much a straight-forward and general fiction bookstore. As John said, they don't carry a lot of the fluff-fluff foo-foo stuff. However, they do have a few sidelines including greeting cards, journals, calendars, and book tote bags to name a few. They also had a fine assortment of magazines and periodicals. As with many other indies, if you can’t visit in-person and want to support them consider going to their website and placing an order online. I was happy to hear that the business was going well despite the challenging rent.

This bookstore has been around for 40 years and needs to be recognized for its success over the years. In those 40 years, David and wife Molly are the 2nd owners of the business with its super location in uptown Waterloo. There is also a public transportation line that goes right by the store and should help people looking to snag that and visit Words Worth. Recognition of the store’s success involves visiting, browsing, and maybe find something for yourself or a friend. In this largely populated region, I’m sure there are many who’ve yet to discover this gem. CanLit is strong here as are books published by small presses, something I could tell David takes pride in.

This is why I visit bookstores. To share, promote, and selfishly meet the infinite number of wonderful people who all make your experience worth it. Or maybe I should say, Words WORTH it. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING: Path Lit By Lightning, David Maraniss.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Rasmussen Papers, Connie Gault.