Island Books & Crafts - Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Island Books & Crafts, Sault Ste. Marie, MI

 (Like The Indie Bob Spot on Facebook and follow The Indie Bob Spot on X)

I’m not sure which is more interesting here, the bookstore or the wonderful stories you’ll enjoy hearing when you meet Les T., the owner of Island Books & Crafts along with his wife Kelli.  What an absolutely fascinating conversation I had with him covering everything from his childhood on a dairy farm to his enlistment in the Air Force and subsequent career in IT for 55 years.  As he told me, once he enlisted and began his life in data processing he decided he would never milk a cow again.  In the 1960s he was already working with computers before the rest of us even heard of them, making him a pioneer in the dawn of technology.  Want to learn some Michigan history?  Talk to Les.  Technology history, programming, and data input?  Talk to Les.  Interstate 80 history?  Talk to Les (Nebraska dropped the ball on the I-80 construction).  As I told him several times, he needs to write his own book.  When you visit Island Books & Crafts, do NOT miss out on your opportunity to meet this knowledgeable and interesting person.

Additionally, Les may be one of the few owners who takes a boat twice a day for work.  He and Kelli live on Sugar Island and he takes the car ferry to Sault St. Marie.  Island Books & Crafts has two bookstore cats and Joe is always at the door to meet him when he arrives.  Customers can enter in one of the two entrances to the store that was originally a bank in the late 1800s.  The right side of the store is mostly books, new and used.  The left side of the store is mostly arts and crafts all uniquely created locally and all sold on consignment.  As Les told me, one of their customers told him that they had some of the most unique items anywhere in the Upper Peninsula.  As I always urge, if you see it in a bookstore and you like it, get it.  It will be hard to find elsewhere.  Kelli is good at finding used books and many customers simply donate theirs to the store.  If you can’t visit the store you have the option of ordering any used or new books off their website.  Sadly, due to our current political climate, the store’s business is down 30% because Canadians no longer visit here.  

If you’re a regular, make sure you participate in the frequent reader’s club, a customer rewards program.  Tourism is a huge and important part of this business and WHEN you come here as a tourist, be sure to check this place out and definitely have a chat with Les, who is a living, breathing book of wonderful stories.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon.  The incredible story of Martha Ballard, a midwife in rural Maine in the late 1700s.  This story which is inspired by true events and Martha's actual preserved journal, encompasses Martha's life, her family, and the pursuit of justice for a rape victim.  And as you can imagine, women did not have it easy during this time.  You will love Martha and you will despise some of the men that she clashes with.  She's bad ass.  You'll also enjoy reading about the true lives of the characters in the author's notes.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Wild Robot, Peter Brown. 

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Warrior Girl Unearthed, Angeline Boulley.  

 

 

You're in the right place.  

Enjoy the beautiful sidewalk art just outside the entrance to the crafts side of the store.  

This is one of the two entrances and this is the entry to the crafts side of the store.  It doesn't matter which way you go in, the entire store is accessible once you enter.  

Another really creative work of art that incorporates a manhole cover.  

This is the entrance to the right side of the store where most of the books are located.  

 Free books, a true budget buster, just inside the entrance.  

View looking into the store from the left side entrance.  

View looking into the store from the right side entrance.  

Almost every indie will have bargain buys and this one is no different.  Find this book rack for a deal.  

What a great gift this would make if you know a Swiftie.  

A relevant read for the region.  

  

One of the aisles you can browse, located on the right side of the store.  

If you're a local and don't have this sticker yet, get with it.  

Tourists will enjoy this section, located toward the back of the store.  

I think this is a beautiful artistic depiction of this region.  

An overview of the children's area.  

The perfect setting for little readers.  

A very inviting area for children in the back of the store.  

Attractive display of children's books.  

You can find unique works of art in many bookstores.  This is a collection of copper art, created by a local artist. 

If you sit down here to try out a book you might have company.  

A cross section view of the back right of the store.  

An overview of the left side of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

An overview of the basement area.  

Head down to the basement for this fantastic bargain.  

The store offers artistic creations in many mediums.  

Harsh winter weather is looming and this indie has you covered.  

Beautiful art work can be found displayed throughout the store.  

I love learning the story of historic bookstore buildings.  

The store is home to two very playful cats who were rescues.  They're happily at home here 24/7.  

With Les on the left, the fine co-owner at Island Books & Crafts.  Thanks for a great visit.