The Indie Bob Spot: Red Fern Booksellers

Red Fern Booksellers, Salina, KS

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Regular followers know that I can be swept away in any bookstore and perhaps inclined to exaggeration. Trust me when I say that Red Fern Booksellers is not beautiful, it is truly gorgeous. The work that owner Harley H. and his team put into this space is impressive. As he told me, they were trying to match the interior with the 1800s era of the building. The long, medium-wide space is lined with bookshelves, front to back with table displays evenly spaced throughout. The ceiling has been returned to its original beauty. The craftsmanship of the dark brown book shelves is captured nicely by the accent lighting and the overhead lighting is just right. The shelves are highlighted by the brass genre sign tags. Simply beautiful. If there are awards for interior bookstore design, Red Fern should be a nominee.

Yet, there is so much more. Red Fern offers a generous inventory of all new books in a town of approximately 50,000. This indie could hold its own in a city of any size. If you can’t visit in person, consider placing an order online which has been a busy portion of the store’s business. The sidelines are numerous and are dominated by works of original art in greeting cards and other items. I especially enjoyed seeing the table of spirit tiles (Spiritiles) created by artist Houston Llew. Everyone of these unique tiles features a work of art on a copper canvas and colorful glass. On the spine you’ll see an author’s name and another spine will feature a quote from a book. Again, my pictures won’t do these justice so you’ll have to see these in person.

I was happy to hear that things are going well here. One of the huge factors for Red Fern’s success are frequent events that draw large crowds. They’re fortunate to have some accommodating options to host these events off-site.

And yet there’s more. A terrific owner is surrounded by the terrific people at Red Fern, Paula and Christi are the best. People like this will make your visit to this indie an enjoyable experience.

You will not be able to resist the Ollie charm.

But, I cannot forget to mention my favorite staffer, dear, dear Ollie the shop dog. What a charmer and what a happy soul. I know there are some who stop in just to see Ollie. Come for the books, but stay for Ollie.

Red Fern has only been open for about 18 months but I’m sure there are people in the area that haven’t been here yet. Hey regulars, find a friend to bring and introduce them to the all-star cast that will give you a fantastic bookstore experience. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: A Fever In The Heartland, Timothy Egan. If you want to find the seeds of MAGA, this historical non-fiction work may give you hope that we will overcome. 100 years ago, a charismatic con-man, rapist, alcoholic ascended to power in Indiana as the leader of the 2nd wave of the Ku Klux Klan (sound familiar?). The state was full of corruption, pay-offs, grift, and Kluxers but eventually collapsed and failed. Incredible story that gives us hope that goodness will prevail over hate. If you like Erik Larson, you'll love this. Highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: Miracle Of The Music Man: The Classic American Story of Meredith Willson, Mark Cabaniss.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Fresh Water For Flowers, Valérie Perrin. Trials Of The Earth, Mary Mann Hamilton.

Events are a big deal at Red Fern and many are an important revenue source.

Historic storefront.

Another angle of the storefront.

Historic entrance with festive trim. Outstanding.

View looking into the store from the front entrance. Just look at those endless, long shelves of books on both sides of the store.

Looking to the left from the front entrance and you'll find some of the greeting cards available.

After you get your greeting card and your book, go to the right side of the store and select the perfect gift wrap.

Many options for gift wrap including reversible gift wrap.

Attractive table display of bestsellers.

Variety of candles offered.

On the left side of the store find this display of new and notable releases. Notice table displays parallel to the bookshelves with spacing to the back of the store.

Notice the attractive brass genre sign and the perfect lighting.

Red Fern merch includes tote bags and t-shirts.

Have any of your book clubs read these?

I love these and you won't find them in another bookstore. These are uniquely created with a limited number for each design by artist Houston Llew. Called Spiritiles (spirit tiles), glass on copper enameled art. The artistry in creating these is magnificent.