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Anthology for Books, Geneseo, IL
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Anthology for Books has been open for almost 5 months and I don’t know how they could've got off to a better start. It has been 20+ years since Geneseo had a bookstore and the enthusiasm for Anthology for Books has been off the charts since the day of the grand opening in August. Co-owners Jim and Beth N. took in $8000 on that day and finally had to close because the inventory was depleted. When I asked Jim how things are going since then his one word response was, “fantastic.” This is clearly a community that is basking in the glow and happiness of a bookstore to call its own. It’s not only a bookstore, but a safe space, a 3rd place, a space where all are welcomed. Job well done Jim and Beth.
The store is located in one of the prominent historic buildings and is the cornerstone of the downtown, Geneseo House, originally a hotel. The two rooms of the store are very attractively arranged and offer all new books and a variety of sidelines including greeting cards, stickers, original artwork by local artists (including Jim), teas, and reading glasses to name a few. Best of all are the “blind date with a book” promotions similar to what is found at other indies but taken to a whole new level. A local librarian creates attractive “blind date” covers that are works of art and even include a small single-packet of tea as part of the cover. Very creative.
Recent events have included an in-store marriage proposal and a cinema night that attracted 28 patrons. If you can’t visit in person order a book off of their website. But if you don’t go in person you’ll miss out on Jim's excellent talent and knowledge for hand-selling just about any book.
I especially liked how they curated their store before opening. They asked future customers to tell them, 1) their favorite childhood book, 2) their favorite book to give as a gift, and 3) a favorite book that you’re disappointed if you don’t see it in the store. I also like Jim’s strategy for the store hours and staying open until 6:00pm everyday. As he said, all the other downtown businesses close at 5 so that gives some of those people a chance to visit the bookstore.
So yes, I think this is a great bookstore with terrific owners. Don’t believe me? Find local regular Sally E. who is absolutely gaga about this new business in Geneseo. In fact, she’s so enthusiastic I’ll think of her as the unofficial president of the Anthology for Books fan club. And I’ve got good news, Geneseo. The Anthology for Books fan club has room for many more fans. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
JUST FINISHED: Three Day Road, Joseph Boyden. Two indigenous Canadians grow up as friends in rural Canada but then must report for service in WWI. A really good story about native cultures and how they intersected with the trench warfare of WWI. This is a very good historical fiction. Recommended.
CURRENTLY READING: Kazuko: Sixth Grade in World War II Hiroshima, Kazuko Blake with Sandra Vega.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: After Oz, Gordon McAlpine. Toto, A. J. Hackwith.
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The beautiful historic building in downtown Geneseo, home of Anthology for Books.
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When you get inside these doors at the top of the steps, you'll see the bookstore entrance on your right.
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This movie is in black and white until you get to the bookstore door.
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Entryway to the bookstore.
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Before you get into the actual bookstore, this small room on the right is where local small businesses can have a one-month pop-up store. On the day of my visit it was a pop-up for wool items crafted by a woman from a nearby farm.
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Some of the wool-crafted items. Not only practical for winter weather but works of art.
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Through the entryway and looking into the beautiful space of the bookstore. Jim is at the checkout counter making a sale!
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Looking to the right from the entrance. That red wall was one of the few things Jim and Beth painted before moving into this space. Below the painting is one of two non-functioning fireplaces in this large building.
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Immediately to the right is this wall of fiction organized as dark fiction.
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Just inside the entrance and to the left are some post-holiday bargains.
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Attractive wall display to the left of the entrance.
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This wall of books on the left is classified as the light fiction.
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A special chair for some of the stores' favorite customers.
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Proceeding through the store and looking into the second room.
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Even if you don't get anything for yourself, consider something for others.
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For those of us who need extra help reading, they've got you covered.
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Check out this collection of artistic photos, all captured by Jim.
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Throughout the store you can find original and unique works of art created by talented local artists.
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Just a few of the stickers available.
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| I've been to other bookstores that offer Hammond's chocolate bars and I really like them. |
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Another angle looking into the second room.
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Immediately to the left in the second room you'll find the children's area.
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A variety of literary-themed teas.
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An excellent display of books for the "blind date with a book" promotion. This picture really doesn't capture how beautiful these book covers are.
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One of the blind date book covers. Very cool.
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Want to find out more about the blind date book covers? This is the person who makes them.
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A wonderful sitting area.
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This is a mirror behind the table book display. This large mirror really makes the room look big.
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Jim is a big foodie so he can help you with the cook books.
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Unique and creative store merch.
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If you like to craft and you have a book-loving friend, check this out. Create your own book spine cover.
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A few of the greeting cards available.
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If you see something at an indpendent bookstore and really like it, get it. You're unlikely to find it elsewhere. Like these cool book earrings.
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With Jim on the left, the fine co-owner at Anthology for Books. Thanks for a great visit.
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