A book shop partners up with other indie businesses

photo via  Iowa backroads

As an avid reader, I'm always on the lookout for bookstores. You might remember my search for the bookstore in Croatia. Since returning to the States, I have had more time to explore book shops and so far I haven't been disappointed.

 A few days ago, I took my parents (who live in Iowa) out for coffee at the local coffee shop and as we were walking in, the building next door with its beautiful white marble pillars caught my attention.

Here is what I learned about this renovated historic building. It used to be a bank and now houses the independent bookshop Bookvault. The owner Nancy Simpson, a former librarian followed the advice she read in Warren Buffett's book, the Snowball to successfully manage her bookstore. Like a snowball, the shop started out small, then began gaining momentum. You can read more about it here.

The bookshop has been in business since December of 2005 and it offers a large selection of books, unique gift ideas, yoga classes, cooking demonstrations with their in-store chef Ruthi Rogers, and events like Day for Divas. How would you like to get cooking tips while sipping on a glass of wine or  fashion tips while getting a foot massage and drinking mimosas? Sign me up!

Travel therapy? Sign me up as well!

The kitchen area especially built for the the purpose of hosting its twice a month event, Cooking with Books. The schedule for cooking demonstrations  can be found here. 

utilizing former vaults to showcase books, what a great idea!

 Heading upstairs to the children's area.

 Next time I will bring Beli along, I think she will enjoy it here! Don't you love the shoe chandelier?

I purchased a few items and I signed up for their free membership. After every $100 dollars spent, you receive ten dollars off your next purchase, all you have to do is give them your name and it will be stored in their computer.

another former vault, this one houses children's books.

 I had a great shopping experience and excellent customer service. On my way out, I grabbed their monthly newsletter. Now I'm off to plan my Diva day. Have you come across independent bookshops with so much to offer? Please do share on the comment section.  Another one that comes to mind is also a favorite of mine, Tattered Cover ,the independent book shop located in Denver, Colorado.

 Hope you were inspired to grab a book and enjoy hours of reading!