Wandering Raccoon Books - Grimes, IA

Wandering Raccoon Books, Grimes, IA

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When I began this journey 10+ years ago the Des Moines metropolitan area was a bookstore desert for indies.  There were two or three serving a heavily populated area deserving of more.  Since then, this region has seen a healthy growth of newly opened indies including this one in Grimes, just outside of Des Moines.  When owner Jena B. was looking for a location for her store she landed on Grimes as the one, a Des Moines area town without an indie.  In fact, Jena’s not sure Grimes has ever had a bookstore.  Wandering Raccoon Books has only been open for about 10 months and joins the growing community of independent bookstores in this area.  Well done, Jena, and welcome to the club.

Two years before opening the brick and mortar, Wandering Raccoon began as an online and pop-up store, “wandering” throughout the “Raccoon” river region of central Iowa.  A very creative bookstore name.  The store is located in the Brookridge Plaza on the western side of Grimes.  It is situated ideally close to two Grimes schools, an outstanding location.  Wandering Raccoon offers all new books including many by local authors on consignment.  They also enjoy brisk online sales and have sold and shipped books throughout the country in all but 8 states.  This indie also sells some sidelines by consignment including artistic stained glass, bracelets, and granola to name a few.  You’ll also find numerous stickers, birthday greeting cards, book covers, and book marks.  The store doesn’t offer a regular story time yet (readers wanted!) but may do so in the future.  Since my visit came a few days after Independent Bookstore Day, Jena was somewhat apologetic because of her depleted inventory.  Way to go Grimes!

As with many new indies I visit, the word is still getting out about this terrific new bookstore.  If you’re in the Des Moines metro area and haven’t visited Wandering Raccoon yet, step it up.  Pay this indie a visit and enjoy a wonderful bookstore experience and meet its friendly and conversant owner.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

 

 CURRENTLY READING:  The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Christy Lefteri.  

 

JUST FINISHED:  The Wager, David Grann.  The unbelieveable story of the British warship, Wager, its mission, and perilous journey around the turbulent waters of Cape Horn and ultimate shipwreck.  How did the men survive hunger, deadly weather, and eventually sail back to England?  Was there any blame assigned to the catastrophe?  Narrative non-fiction at its best by the author of Killers Of The Flower Moon.  Recommended. 

 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Stephen Graham Jones.  

Visit this bookstore in the Brookbridge Plaza. 

Looking into the bookstore from the front entrance. 

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  Jena wasn't able to remove those white pipes when she took over this space but creatively made them look like they fit the bookstore perfectly. 

View looking to the right from the front entrance. 

An Iowa-centric table display near the front of the store. 

A few of the birthday cards offered. 

A cross section view of the beautiful interior near the front of the store. 

In Iowa, you can't throw a basketball without hitting a Caitlin Clark fan.  Here's the perfect gift for a little reader. 

Uniquely crafted book and e-reader sleeves. 

Attractive table display of popular releases. 

A very attractive and relaxing setting in the front of the store. 

A beautiful, donated piece for the Raccoon readers. 

Browse this area in the far rear of the store. 

The inventory includes numerous banned books for sale. 

Check out this fresh granola offered near the checkout counter. 

If you know any Manga fans, send them to this store. 

Looking into the children's area and playroom in the back of the store. 

Right outside the children's room find a nice assortment of children's books. 

Unique bookmarks. 

Another great place to sit and sample a book. 

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

Raccoons of all shapes, sizes, and themes can be found throughout the store thanks to well-meaning friends and customers. 

Unique bracelets created by a local artisan.  If you see it in a bookstore and you like it, GET IT!  It will be hard to find anywhere else. 

If you're on a budget, find this shelf on the left side of the store. 

Visual confirmation AND raccoon wallpaper.  Bookstore owners are some of the most creative people anywhere. 

With Jena, the fine owner at Wandering Raccoon Books.  Thanks for a great visit.