Basement Books KC - Liberty, MO

 Basement Books KC, Liberty, MO

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I discovered a few years ago that surprisingly, there were a lot of good things that came out of the pandemic for bookstores.  For Basement Books, the seed was planted at the beginning of the pandemic when owner Stevie and her husband bought books from a woman who was leaving her bookstore business.  Naturally, they started selling the books out of their basement, the origin of the store’s name.  They sold the books online and from there they eventually moved out of the basement to a pop-up business model.  And then graduated into their current location in the heart of downtown Liberty where they opened for business one year ago.  I don’t know how they could’ve picked a better location, surrounded by a wide-variety of small businesses that all enjoy excellent foot traffic.  They even have the added benefit of being in the perfect place when the town hosts farmer markets.  Ideal!

The store began originally as a used book store but now also offers new books.  Many of the used books are accepted as donations and customers can receive a 15% off coupon for a purchase.  If you can’t visit the store in person consider buying new books online through bookshop.org to show your support.  There are a variety of sidelines available including book merch t-shirts and tote bags, assorted items created locally, bookmarks, pins, and stickers.  As with most other bookstores, the stickers are very popular sellers.  

I always enjoy seeing the “blind date with a book” promotions that are offered in many bookstores.  They take it to another level at Basement Books by having the blind date with a book, book club.  What a great idea and a fun way to cultivate friendships and conversation in the community.

I didn’t meet Stevie when I visited the store (I did get to meet her later at her OTHER place of employment) but had a great time meeting Megan and hearing all about the store’s short history.  Unbelievably, there are still people in Liberty unaware of this super bookstore right under their noses.  If you’re reading this, now you know.  At long last, Liberty has its own independent bookstore.  Pay Basement Books a visit and enjoy a wonderful bookstore experience.  Congratulations Stevie!  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.  

JUST FINISHED:  The Orchardist, Amandin Collin.  I really enjoyed this story about Talmadge who was orphaned as a teenager and then began his life in rural Washington state in the late 1800s as an orchardist.  The book follows his journey living a solitary life, never marrying and never having children.  But he becomes emotionally attached to two lost and feral teenage girls who have no homes and a makeshift family is born.  He cares for them even as one becomes wanted by the law.  I think this book is a classic.  Highly recommended.  

Also just finished, James, by Percival Everett.  I feel like I’m about the last one to get to this and its popularity is well-deserved.  The story of Jim and Huck, told through Jim’s eyes, of their days in Hannibal and escape as Jim searches for freedom and a way to rescue his wife and daughter.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  So Far Gone, Jess Walter.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  What The Chicken Knows, Sy Montgomery.  

 

Another view of the storefront.  

I'm always fascinated by historic buildings and this is where Basement Books is located.  

Creative front window display.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

Looking to the right from the front entrance.  

Looking to the left from the front entrance.  Head this way to browse some of the store's sidelines including t-shirts and tote bags.  

Display of staff picks.  

 

Amen.

What a great offer, kids can get a free book.  

I love this area where you can look out the front window at the beautiful downtown square and browse a book at the same time.  

Consider some uniquely crafted soap or a luffa from this display.  

Always one of my favorite pictures in any bookstore.  Head over to the right side of the store for this wall of books.  

Beautiful and comfy setting in the middle of the store.  

Just a fraction of the stickers available.  

I also like the pins.  

Some of the books offered by local authors.  

A few of the children's books.  

 

This wonderful setting is in the back of the store.  A perfect place for a book club to meet or a gathering of friends.  

Looking for a classic?  They've got you covered.

 

 

Show this picture to anyone under 20 years old.  Better yet, show it to anyone under 10.  You'll be able to stump somebody.  

A wide choice for a "blind date" book.  

One of the descriptions for a "blind date" book.  Go ahead, take a chance.  

Excellent budget buys.  

Even better budget buys.  

Many books are repurposed into unique and creative works of art.  

Speaking of unique and creative... check out this clever corner in the back of the store.  

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

Tell that to everyone who's been to my house.  

You won't see this really cool mural of book spines unless you look behind you after you enter.  

Remember the good old days when the constitution actually meant something.  

With Megan, one of the fine booksellers at Basement Books.  Thanks for a great visit.