The Indie Bob Spot: I’ll Meet You There Bookstore & Cafe

I'll Meet You There Bookstore & Cafe, Cedar Rapids, IA

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I’ve driven by this new bookstore many times over the last four months and could hardly stand not stopping to go in. From the outside it looked simply beautiful and now that I’ve visited I can confirm that the interior is not only nice it is stunning. This is the first thing that hit me as I entered. The decor, the organization, the shelves and displays, were all very attractive and if there are decorating awards for bookstores this place should get one. The creativity for all this comes from owners and sisters Jaymie and Lindsay M. and you can tell that they put a lot of time and effort into this new Cedar Rapids bookstore and cafe. Well done ladies.

There are two well-defined sides to this business, the bookstore and the cafe. They each have their own exterior entrances but are easily accessible from the inside. Both areas are roomy, spacious, and especially cozy. This bookstore and cafe have many comfortable seating areas, something I always enjoy seeing. And I don’t know how the owners could’ve picked a better location, right in the middle of the Main Street through historic Czech Village.

I’ll Meet You There offers all new books and a very healthy assortment of sidelines. There are gift ideas galore including stickers, candles, store merch, jewelry, and journals to name just a few. Bookseller Sarah has done an impressive job with the blind date with a book promotion and her very creative wrapping. Thanks to that these have sold very well. She along with Avery were both wonderful to meet and visit with. The store offers all genres but children’s books have sold especially well. The children’s area also offers several interactive activities to keep them busy. Consider checking out one of the three bookstore book clubs (best sellers, romance, and classics) to engage with like-minded readers.

The inspiration for this bookstore and cafe, thank you Mary Kay.

Best of all, this indie is an acknowledgement and tribute to the owner’s mother, Mary Kay. During her lifetime, Mary Kay was integral in the growth and success of Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village, a neighborhood she grew up in. Her presence is felt today through her daughters Jaymie and Lindsay who have memorialized her spirit and heritage with this terrific new bookstore and cafe. Call or message a friend to tell them I’ll meet you there. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: The Barn, Wright Thompson. Narrative non-fiction that reveals the truth of the Emmett Till tragedy. There is a reason that hate crimes like this are suppressed and the truth isn't always apparent. This author did exhaustive research, including conversations with living key witnesses, and the history of Emmett Till's death is not what the white population of Mississippi would have you believe. This book is also a stepping off point for the Civil Rights era and also explores the violent history of the Mississippi Delta region. Recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: The Firm, John Grisham.

There are two exterior entrances. This is the entrance into the cafe. You can access both sides from inside the store.

There are large display windows all the way across the front of the building allowing for lots of natural light.

Looking into the store from the bookstore entrance.

View looking to the right from the bookstore entrance.

Directly to the left of the bookstore entrance check out just some of the store merch.

Yes, you need a bookstore coffee mug.

Unique jewelry for you or a friend, at the checkout counter.

The stickers are hot here and these are just a few.

Display of various sidelines.

View looking into the cafe from the bookstore side.

Attractive display of new releases.

Two comfy chairs with a table for your coffee, on the bookstore side of the store.

The store carries a wide assortment of interesting sidelines and gift ideas.

A very cozy living room area toward the back of the store and near the children's area.

Just a few of the journals available.

Partial view of the children's area.

This table provides lots of room for interactive activities for kids.

Visual confirmation. Remember, amazon doesn't have bathrooms.

You don't have to look hard to find comfortable seating, a very impressive strength of the store.

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

If you want to be halfway in the cafe on the left and bookstore on the right, this is your place.

View looking into the cafe from the bookstore side.

Stepping into the cafe from the bookstore and looking left toward its front entrance

Looking into the cafe and toward the back.

Attractive menu board.

Get a quick and cold, grab and go.

Great seats in the cafe area.

Just outside the cafe enjoy your beverage in the nice weather.

The perfect seat in the cafe for you, your book, and your coffee.

Consider joining one of the three bookstore book clubs.

I always enjoy seeing the ornate ceilings in historic buildings. My picture doesn't do this justice.

When I first started seeing bookstores with the "blind date with a book" promotions, they were wrapped in plain brown paper. Many bookstores now push the the envelope of creativity and even include more than just the book. Nice job Sarah.