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Three Bells Books, Mason City, IA
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The main claim to fame in this Norman Rockwell-esque Iowa town is as the home of Meredith Wilson, renowned composer most recognized for The Music Man. But man, this new independent bookstore might give Meredith Wilson a run for his money for a Mason City destination (well, maybe a nudge up to 2nd place?!). I cannot believe everything going on and in place in its short approximately 11 months in business. Best of all, it brings a new indie to Iowa which is slowly seeing some growth in bookstores opening.
Co-owners Molly and Jake have done a bang-up job in less than a year in business. Beginning with the very European looking storefront to the sleek and clean interior organized and arranged mostly by Molly. Outstanding! The store offers all new books along with a few used that customers either donate or receive store credit. If you can’t visit the store consider supporting them by ordering your book on the store website. While you're browsing you can enjoy a soda, glass of wine, or heck, a Fat Hill Scottish Ale. They have a great relationship with Fat Hill Brewing because Molly and Jake co-own that as well. The two stores are so closely related that the lines often blur between the two with events and book clubs. They have so many book clubs that store manager and bookseller Julie was having trouble naming them all. At least eight with the store and one with Fat Hill, all in less than a year. Three Bells also offers other events including author signings and a story time for kids on Sunday afternoons. As Julie told me, that’s a typically slow time and is a great way to bring people into the store. The best sidelines recently have been mugs and small literary soaps but they offer much more including greeting cards, puzzles, bookmarks, and candy to name just a few.
I’m always intrigued by uncommon bookstore names so I was naturally curious about Three Bells. If you're a fan of the Brontë sisters you might figure it out. They used the last name of Bell as a pseudonym to publish a one-volume book of poems. And of course there were three Brontë sisters inspiring Molly to the very creative bookstore name, Three Bells Books.
The store will celebrate its one year anniversary in December yet many in the area are unaware of its presence. Hey regulars, spread the word. This place is a must-see and after you’ve browsed the books, go through the back of the store and enjoy another wonderful small business, Simply Nourished. Enjoy a 5-star experience that you’ll want to repeat over and over. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
CURRENTLY READING: Devil In The White City, Erik Larson.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: Miracle of The Music Man, Mark Cabaniss.
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I love discovering creative displays of art in the communities I visit. This one is mere steps from the bookstore.
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I thought the storefront had a very European vibe.
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View looking into the store from the front entrance.
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An absolutely wonderful seating area immediately to the left after entering.
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The first bookshelves to the left after entering.
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You'll need a tote bag for all the books you get.
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Relevant candles for the holiday season.
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Attractive table display to the right after entering.
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A few of the puzzles and cookbooks available.
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Overview of the refreshment area in the middle of the store.
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Beautiful signage. Notice the menu on the left and the events on the right.
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Assorted and unique bookmarks at the refreshment counter.
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Go to the middle of the store and take a right into another room of the bookstore...
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...where you'll find used books at a great price.
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Staff pick display in the used book room.
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A few of the greeting cards offered.
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I had a Hammond chocolate bar at a previous bookstore and I can highly recommend you get one.
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If you're in the Mason City area and enjoy reading, I encourage you to join one of the book clubs Three Bells offers. They have book clubs for a variety of interests.
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Right side of the store toward the back.
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Left side of the store toward the back. Behind these shelves you'll find the children's area.
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The approaching holidays means you can pick up gift cards for friends and family.
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Unique and wacky socks offered in bookstores can seldom be found anywhere else. If you see it and you like it, GET IT.
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All indies support banned books.
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Variety of Candy Club candies.
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Hey local authors, Blue Bells wants to hear from you.
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Another gorgeous and comfy seating area in the back of the store.
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Above the comfy seating area you'll see some super artistic renditions, all featuring readers.
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Looking into the children's area.
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Another different angle of the children's area.
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Go through the back of the store and patronize another local business. I didn't get to see much of this so I hope to visit again someday and spend more time.
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With Julie, the fine store manager at Three Bells Books. Thanks for a great visit.
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