Niche Books - Lakeville, MN

Niche Books, Lakeville, MN

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Is there a town anywhere that isn’t absolutely thrilled when they finally have their own bookstore?  In the words of owner Ashley C. at Niche Books, the community of readers in Lakeville were simply delighted.  In fact, Ashley can still remember the facial expressions of customers when they first visited, a little over a year ago when they opened (insert awestruck jaw drop!).  A void has been filled in this region south of the Twin Cities in Lakeville, a town of approximately 72,000 with two high schools, more than deserving of an independent bookstore.  After my visit, I can definitely confirm the opinions of all who have visited, this place and its owner are a delight.  Way to go Ashley.

This indie is located smack dab in the middle of downtown Lakeville, a perfect location (and right next door to a very hip coffeeshop, Tapestry Coffee).  The beautiful interior is home to new and used books, all shelved together throughout the store.  I really like that Ashley has all the used books on a data base so she knows exactly what’s in the store.  She’s very particular about the used books she accepts from customers but will offer store credit in return for those books.  If you can’t visit in person, consider supporting the store by ordering online through bookshop.org.  The store also offers a wide assortment of sidelines including greeting cards, unique socks, t-shirts, stickers, puzzles, and bookstore candles to name a few.  The puzzles, candles, and stickers have sold especially well. 

In the store’s short existence, they’ve already enjoyed an active events schedule.  I would also encourage young families to take advantage of the weekly story time for children every Saturday morning.  As regulars can tell you, the experiences you can enjoy at Niche Books cannot be duplicated online.  

If you’re in the Lakeville area and haven’t discovered this bookstore yet, get with it!  You’re missing out.  If you’re up in the Twin Cities consider spreading your wings for the short migration south for a 5-star bookstore experience and meet the rock star who will make the magic happen.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir. 

JUST FINISHED:  So Far Gone, Jess Walter.  Rhys Kinnick has left society for a rural cabin, no TV, no cellphone, no internet.  Pushed over the edge by a white extremist son-in-law, he left behind a daughter and two grandkids.  But the grandkids find him and they need help.  Things aren't right and he's pulled back into society to find his daughter, the mother of the grandkids, who has disappeared.  A book that is relevant for our times.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Secret of Secrets, Dan Brown.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon.  

 

 

This is an easy call.  After you get your books at Niche Books take a few short steps next door and visit this really hip coffee shop with lots of seating.  

Any time an indie can take advantage of their location with a popular local festival its always a good thing for the bookstore.  Way to go Lakeville.  

  

New items you have to get.  

Beautiful view looking into the store from the front entrance.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

All the cool people are wearing these t-shirts.  

Head to the left side of the store and enjoy this long wall of books and a leisurely browsing experince.  

Overview of the children's area located in the front of the store.  

Attractive table display of new releases.  

Have a seat and sample a book.   

Creative display of various sidelines.  

This Niche wall offers a unique way to display many sidelines and conserve floor space.  

Nice assortment of mugs and candles.  

If you're not getting one, maybe get one as a gift for your reader friend.  

 Neatly organized table display.  

A comfy spot to enjoy a book.  

ALWAYS consider this for friends and family. 

If you're a regular make sure you're on the store email list.  

Just a few of the stickers that are very popular here.  

Where else could you find a pumpkin juice candle?  If you see it in a bookstore and you like it, get it!  It will be difficult to find elsewhere. 

 

Take a picture of the kids in this cutout.  

This fireplace in the back of the store will become a very popular area in a few months.  

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

Puzzles have been popular sellers.  

Everything you need to know.  Pay them a visit.  

You can always find unique socks in many independent bookstores.  

With Ashley, the fine owner at Niche Books.  Thanks for a great visit.