The Indie Bob Spot

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

The Book Vault - Oskaloosa, IA

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

How has this indie escaped my attention for so long? Of course, I've never met a bookstore I haven't liked but there are naturally some that may be more memorable. This store is memorable on many levels (literally THREE levels here!) and even though I don't rank bookstores, I think this one is not only one of the best in Iowa but one of the best in the midwest. I think it could make one of those lists. Dare I say, it could easily "vault" onto one of those lists.

What I like best about this bookstore is the beautiful, historic building it's housed in. I've seen bookstores in every space and building imaginable and now I've seen one in a bank building built in 1892. The entrance, the tiled floor, the ceiling, the bank vaults and teller area, and even the echo all will tell you that you're in a bank. But the fairly extensive inventory of new books, the variety of sidelines, the very nice demonstration kitchen (cooking books and cooking events are a strength here), and a spacious upstairs event space (rent this space for bridal showers, baby showers, or attend an author event) will tell you that you're in a 5-star independent bookstore. And this doesn't even take into account the occasional author events, the several bookclubs that meet here, and the nice people who work here that are so representative of bookstore people I meet across the country.

So how the heck does The Book Vault do it? This indie has been in business for 10 years now and is located in a small college town of approximately 11,000. Communities much larger have nothing like this. But this bookstore is so fortunate to have a benefactor, The Musco Corporation, an international company, for its owner. Musco takes seriously the importance of having a vibrant, educated community and backs this bookstore, in part, due to the attractiveness of its presence when looking at prospective employees. Isn't it interesting that a corporation understands the importance of an independent bookstore in the community and follows through by actually owning the bookstore. All bookstores should be so lucky!

So The Book Vault can put checks in all the boxes that makes it a great indie, including the nice people who work here. April, the store manager, and Jane, a bookseller who has been here since the opening, are fantastic. I'm so fortunate that I get to meet wonderful people in bookstores and these two are the best. But everyone in Oskaloosa already knows this.

My prediction for The Book Vault is continued success and now that it is over 10 years in running, its on the way to legendary status among indies. You need to get here now and see what I'm talking about. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Missoula, Jon Krakauer. I've heard good things about this author from many people and they were right. This is the true story of higher than normal sexual assaults in a college town and the inability of the justice system to prosecute the offenders. The book is an eye-opener. Troubling subject, but highly recommended.

CURRENTLY READING: The Redbreast, Jo Nesbø.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Residence, Kate Andersen Brower.

A great coffee shop right next door. They are connected on the inside of the two buildings. If I were doing a blog about coffee shops, this place would be featured.

Beautiful view looking into the store from the front entrance. Habitual readers my recognize the celebrity I spotted here in the foreground. Yes, that's my mom.

This is the view looking up at the ceiling. The picture doesn't do it justice therefore you'll have to come and see for yourself.

Well-organized display of best sellers.

You can find staff selections throughout the store.

One of the book aisles on the main floor.

This view looks into one of the bank vaults. All three vaults are stocked with books.

There are lots of places to sit here and try out a book.

There are a variety of sidelines here including those kind of socks that you only see in an independent bookstore.

Display of recent releases.

Just a few of the greeting cards available.

This view is further back on the main level. They have a great kitchen station here for their cooking events.

Clean off this counter and you'll be watching a cooking demo.

This view is from the kitchen station in the back of the store looking toward the front.

View looking down on the back of the store. You can see the kitchen at the top left of photo.

A portion of the children's department.

On my way to the top level and looking down at a portion of the second level. You can see the front entrance in the background.

There are three levels in this store and this is the view from the top level looking down on the front of the store and the ground level.

With April, the fine store manager at The Book Vault. Thanks for a great visit.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

The BookMark - Neptune Beach, FL

The Book Mark - Neptune Beach, FL

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

I'm aware that some readers enjoy the pleasure of going to the beach and indulging in a book while there (in between naps, of course). For those who enjoy this experience along with visiting bookstores, have I got the place for you. The BookMark in Neptune Beach is located in an area of small, independent businesses and private residences, all of which are very tourist friendly and unique. But best of all, you can buy your book and walk one block to access the beach. And it's a short block. You've just found your ideal beach bookstore and you will love it.

The BookMark has been around for about 25 years so it has weathered the challenges, endured some ups and downs, and now stands ready to move forward as more people embrace the importance of shop and buy local. Tere H., one of the booksellers, told me the success here is due partly to an extremely loyal local customer base. The other portion of the customer base are the tourists and it really helps that one of the best beach hotels is only a couple of blocks away. The store's location is very user-friendly for pedestrians or bicyclists and car traffic is minimal. If you drive your car, parking is free and you'll be able to park very close to the store.

I'm most impressed with the diligence that Rona B., the owner, and her husband take in stocking their store. They are very particular about the books they offer making sure the selections are well-curated. There are also a good variety of sidelines, most with a literary theme. Greeting cards sell quite well and the store also offers a nice line of Crane stationery. Author and book events are common and held in the store but they do have options off-site nearby for large events.

I had a great time talking to Tere and Logan F., two of the booksellers. Like so many I meet on my journey, they were absolutely wonderful. I didn't get to meet Rona on this trip but I already know some things about her without meeting her. It's obvious she's smart and she knows what she's doing. She's totally engaged in the support of independent businesses and bookstores. She's been involved with NPR as an advocate and has also been a consultant for other independent bookstore owners. If I were going to open a bookstore, I'd have this woman on speed dial. She and the store have many ties to the community, all of which help strengthen the store. And she knows how to hire knowledgeable and friendly people like Tere and Logan.

So here's your recipe for a carefree day. Grab the beach chair, cooler, and sun screen. Head to the BookMark in Neptune Beach. Buy a book for yourself, your family, and friends. Enjoy. You're welcome. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Cuba Staits, Randy Wayne White. Just found out about this author on my visit to this bookstore. There seemed to be scattered "off-shoot" mysteries from the main mystery so I found it a bit confusing at times. If you like a setting in Florida and Cuba with an added touch of baseball on the side, you'll like this one. I have a feeling there are others by this author that I'll enjoy more.

84 Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff. Outstanding. The book is an exchange of letters between a woman in NYC and a bookseller in London and these are the actual letters exchanged between the real people. The book is very short and can be conquered in an hour or two and the brevity makes it refreshing to read after a 600-page epic. Highly recommended. You were right, Paul G.

CURRENTLY READING: Missoula, Jon Krakauer.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: Cuban Straits, Randy Wayne White.

Another exterior view.

Picture the ocean behind me. I love the setting for this bookstore.

A nice front window display.

View looking into the store from the front entrance.

View looking to the right from the front entrance.

Looking to the left from the front entrance and some of the sidelines available.

Since I often sit on, step on, and otherwise abuse my reading glasses, I'm always glad to see them at an independent bookstore.

A portion of the children's section.

Need a bargain? Find this book rack!

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

An always active schedule of events.

A great staff picks display.

Yeah, I could comfortably browse through a book here.

Some of the sidelines available, including Crane stationery.

A few of the books of local and regional interest.

With Logan in the center and Tere on the right. Thanks for a great visit.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Sweetwood Books - Fleming Island, FL

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

Readers, not only will this entry be about a perfectly delightful and charming independent bookstore, but it will also be a rant and a call-to-arms. Independent bookstores are a part of the fabric of our culture. It is imperative that they remain so in order for our grandchildren's children to enjoy the same experiences we do when visiting these wonderful places. Sweetwood Books is just a baby, barely two years old. You don't give birth to a baby and then kick it down the road. It's the same with independent bookstores. Baby bookstores need to be nurtured and nourished, they need attention and love just like a baby. You need to support it even after the novelty has worn off. Sweetwood Books is every bit as cute as a new-born baby, but Fleming Island and surrounding communities need to give it some love. Some of you have been here (return with a friend) and some of you have never heard of it (not anymore!). (Proceed to rant!). People of northeast Florida and Fleming Island, do you know how many communities would love to have an independent bookstore? Believe me, these places don't grow on trees and you have a great one that you need to patronize. Heck, even if you're not a reader they have a variety of very nice non-book items and gifts. Find something for the children in your life in their beautiful children's section. Better yet, take one of the little ones to the store for a weekly story time. If you're the parent of a high schooler, send them here to pick up one of their required readings. They have them here. Start a book club and bring them here to meet. One of the nice things about Sweetwood Books is that they have a core group of regulars. Ok regulars, you know how great this place is so SPREAD THE FRICKIN' WORD (end of rant).

Yes, this place is barely two years old but is going through growing pains like many new indies. Heather L., the owner has put in a lot of work to make this an attractive and inviting bookstore (so go see it!). The store is a one-level, small to medium sized bookstore that offers new books and a good variety of sidelines. The books are very neatly organized and I think the selections offered are well-curated. And if you can't find it, Heather will order it. I think that women and children will especially enjoy the non-book items and gifts that are available here. Heather is already making connections with the community in a number of ways, something that I see at many of the indies I visit.

Here's what else I like here. The owner, Heather L., is just as charming and warm as her store. You will thoroughly enjoy visiting with her, as I did, and if you're looking for a book recommendation she can help you.

So, Fleming Island, what will you do? My hope is that you embrace this bookstore and make it a local treasure. Spread the word people, and check this place out if you haven't been here. Once you visit, you'll enjoy what you find and will want to return to this beautiful bookstore. Kudos to Heather on her work and a great start! Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED: Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts. Fiction that is loosely based on the author's life that included a prison break in Australia and going to Bombay and living in the slums. It will give you a pretty good depiction of India. Many people will name this as one of their favorite books. I struggled. I thought it was overly descriptive and too many pages of philosophical discussions. But YOU might enjoy this as many others do.

CURRENTLY READING: Cuba Straits, Randy Wayne White.

RECENTLY PURCHASED: The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls.