Bookbug - Kalamazoo, MI

Bookbug, Kalamazoo, MI

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My very first thought when I walked in the front door of Bookbug was, why haven't I been here yet.  If you've never been here, I hope you have the same reaction when you visit.  And after entering the store and spending some time browsing, here's what I like about this place, EVERYTHING!  A great selection of books with creative displays, an outstanding children's section (one of the store's strengths in my opinion), a variety of sidelines, easy and free parking, and more.  And of course, the people here are as nice and knowledgeable as any I've met.  Just another example that you can find quality independent bookstores anywhere across America, including this gem in Kalamazoo, MI.

Joanna P., one of the co-owners along with Derek and Nicole, told me that Bookbug opened in 2008, a time of economic uncertainty.  But as with many indie owners, they didn't really think about that and jumped right in.  Since opening, they've seen steady business growth each year, such a positive sign for this bookstore and the community.  They opened originally as a children's bookstore but now offer books for everyone.  Additionally, they offer a nice variety of sidelines including greeting cards, crazy socks, music on vinyl, t-shirts, and LOTS more.  You can easily find gift ideas here for anyone.  I thought their book displays were especially creative and attractive.  The store has a great location in the Oakland Plaza with many other like-minded businesses.  Bookbug has a very active events schedule, hosting on-site or at larger venues off-site if needed.  They also have a weekly story time in the store every Thursday morning.  There is a strong core of local customers and community support is obvious for a store that is 9 years old.  I especially like that they're able to do book fairs with some of the local schools.

If you're not a regular reader of The Indie Bob Spot, I continue to drive home a common theme.  The people you meet in bookstores are the best.  The ownership team Joanna, Derek, and Nicole along with Sarah, one of the booksellers are wonderful to meet and so fun to talk to about books and the store.  I feel so fortunate to meet people like this all along my journey.

If you're in the Kalamazoo area and haven't been to Bookbug yet, you're making a big mistake.  Or if you're driving along I94, take the Oakland Dr. exit and head north, you'll drive right to it.  I can guarantee you'll fall in love with this place when you visit, just like I did.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Norwegian By Night, Derek B. Miller.  An 82-year old grandfather is transplanted from his home in NYC to live with his adult granddaughter and her husband in Norway.  He becomes witness to a crime in their apartment building and flees with a little boy who needs his help.  A pretty good crime fiction book.

CURRENTLY READING:  Hillbilly Elegy, J. D. Vance.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  A really cool Bookbug t-shirt.  

Another exterior view.  

One of the display windows.  

Bookbug has an active calendar of events.  

View looking into the bookstore from the front entrance.  Faithful readers will surely recognize the celebrity squarely in the middle of the photo.  Yes, that's my mom.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  

Only a few reasons to visit Bookbug.  

Several indies do this promotion and I love it.  Take a chance on a book wrapped in a plain brown wrapper.  

This is what I mean by a creative book display.  The books of authors who will be appearing at Bookbug.  

A long wall of fiction to the right in the store.  Notice all the staff recommendations with the "shelf talkers."  

Some of the items of local interest.  

I think you can find a pair of socks to "fit" anyone!

A nice display of the new paperbacks.  

If you have a Star Wars fan in your house, come to the Bookbug and find this display!

A few of the greeting cards available.  

Lots of great stuff here for kids.  

Kids are going to love this house to play in back in the children's section.  

Notice the roof of the house made of books.  And if you look a little further, you might see a book bug.  

Find a literary onesie for your baby.  

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

Music on vinyl and t-shirts.  

You can even get Bookbug candy bars.  These go really good with any book you get!

With Derek on the left and Joanna on the right, two of the fine co-owners at Bookbug.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Pella Books - Pella, IA

Pella Books, Pella IA

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If I were to compare this bookstore to a football player I'd call it the right guard on the offensive line.  The obscure player who does his job well that few know by name.  For me, Pella Books is that player.  This place has been under the radar and off the grid.  Consider that oversight corrected.  I'm here to tell you that this fine independent bookstore should be in the center of your radar and one of the places to put on your list of visits.

Pella Books offers all used books along with vintage and collectable editions.  I thought its inventory was as well curated as any of the other used bookstores I've visited.  Alfred P., the owner, told me that the vintage books don't sell as well as they used to but if you're a collector I would encourage you to visit this store or search their inventory on-line.  The store does daily transactions on-line which is a huge part of the business.  This is especially important in a town like Pella where the population is only about 10,000, making it challenging to bring in enough in-store customers to sustain business.  I also like that you can find printed music here for keyboard, voice, and a variety of instruments ( I SCORED a couple of finds!)(the music people GOT that!).

This is one of the few indies I've visited that has absolutely no sidelines.  No cards, no journals, nothing.  Nothing but books here and Alfred acquires them in a number of ways including tag sales, garage sales, and donations.  He'll offer you cash or credit for books that are in good condition.  I think its quite impressive that he also has a data base of everything in the store, something not found in all used bookstores.  The entire inventory is housed in a historic building that was originally a church back in the 1800s.  It's located downtown just off the square and has a great parking lot right next to the building. 

Aside from visiting the bookstore, you'll have a great time meeting Alfred and talking about the store and its history.  This place has been here since 1999 and I'm glad to hear that things are going fairly well, always a great sign and especially for indies in smaller towns.  

Make a point of visiting this charming town in central Iowa and take time to visit the outstanding  bakeries, diners, and coffee shops around the square.  Then take your visit just off the square to enjoy Pella Books and its owner who will be eager to meet you and talk about books.  There's no way you leave empty-handed.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

CURRENTLY READING:  Norwegian By Night, Derek B. Miller.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  84, Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff.  The Haunted Bookshop, Christopher Morley.  The Case Of The Missing Books, Ian Sansom.  Sonata In Bb K 358, W. A. Mozart.  Rubank Elementary Method for Trombone, N. H. Long.  

When you spot this sign, you're in the right place.  

I love the historical building this bookstore lives in.  

History buffs will enjoy finding out about this building.  This plaque is posted just outside the entrance.  

One of the long book aisles on the right side of the store.  

View looking to the left from the front entrance.  

Front table display just inside the front entrance.  

This is the far right book aisle.  You'll be able spend lots of time browsing the shelves.  

I just love these book aisles.  If you don't see something you like on the shelves, check out the boxes full of books below.  

Collectors should visit this store.  

You'll EASILY be able to find a book here!

From the back of the store looking toward the front.  Perceptive readers may recognize the celebrity seated at the front counter.  Yes, that's my mom.  

I found a couple of printed music items here that I could use.  

Look around the store and the tops of the bookshelves for vintage editions.  

There must be a collector out there looking for this edition!

With Alfred on the left, the fine owner at Pella Books.  Thanks for a great visit.  

A Page In The Sun, Café & Libros - Puerta Vallarata, Jalisco, Mexico

A Page In The Sun, Café & Libros, Puerta Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

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This journey I'm on began as an attempt to recognize the many fine independent bookstores around the United States but regular readers of The Indie Bob Spot know that this project has grown to include some of the wonderful indies in Canada and Mexico.  So, while many of my midwestern friends and bookstores are enduring snow, ice, and cold I decided it was time to visit another Mexico bookstore.  This is the 3rd indie I've visited in Mexico and I couldn't have had a better time in the store and with the great people there.  It doesn't matter what country the bookstore is located in, the people you meet at these places are always the best.

A Page In The Sun is on an impressive run of 25 years in business, the last 5 years in its current location across from Zapata Park in downtown Puerta Vallarta.  In my opinion, it is an outstanding location for tourists and snowbirds.  They also get a good influx of customers who visit from Guadalajara and Mexico City.  Lindsey, who co-owns the store along with her sister Gaby, told me that they're always trying to increase readership with the local population.  The challenge with that is that books written in Spanish are quite expensive which doesn't make reading easily accessible for Spanish readers.  However, the book store carries a good inventory of used books in French and English and I can assure Americans and others that you'll find lots of books written in English to choose from.  There are also a few new books here written by local authors.

One of the best things about A Page In The Sun is their wonderful cafe where you can enjoy a beverage and something light to eat.  Lindsey's husband does all the baking from scratch including cakes, granola, breads, and cinnamon rolls just to name a few, and two of my eye-witnesses said the cinnamon rolls were outstanding (every indie cafe should have their own baker on staff!).  The cafe has indoor and outdoor seating and is a huge draw for customers. They don't have the usual non-book items but do hold occasional author signings right in the store.

For all the Americans and Canadians who stubbornly endure brutal winters, get over it.  Escape your weather to Puerta Vallarta and know that when you do, you can still enjoy a terrific bookstore and cafe experience at A Page In The Sun.  Ir a un indie y comparer un libra.  Buenos tardes.

JUST FINISHED:  A Monster Calls, Patrick Ness.  A book for children or middle readers.  I won't spoil the ending but I thought it was a little dark and depressing, especially by the end.

CURRENTLY READING:  Norwegian By Night, Derek B. Miller.

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Nothing, it was gifted by Lindsey.  Bastard Out Of Carolina, Dorothy Allison.  Mexican espresso coffee.  Thank you Lindsey.

View of the street outside the store.  I would advise against driving here.  Walk, bus, or taxi would be best.  

A year-round outside seating area.  

View looking to the right from the front entrance.  

View looking through the store from the front entrance with the cafe in the foreground.  

Lots of coffee varieties to choose from and take home with you.  

Some of the items at the cafe.  The cakes are made from scratch by Lindsey's husband.  

Some of the day's specials.  Don't know Spanish?  Point and order or ask.  Everyone here is very friendly and they will help you.  

Lots of options in the cafe.  

View looking through the store, front to back.  

There are LOTS of great places to sit here, inside and outside.  

Amazon doesn't have these.    

A portion of the books available written in French.  

In any language, in any country, nothing like seeing a nice wall of books. 

Grab a seat, a cappuccino, and a book.  

View looking from the back of the bookstore toward the front.  

You'll find a few new books here by local authors.  

With Lindsey, one of the fine co-owners at A Page In The Sun.  Thanks for a great visit.