I’ve been a fan of Bob Manson’s ever since I stumbled across his fun site showing off all the sights around indie bookstores – inside and out. Bob has a wonderful spirit and sense of purpose helping shine a spotlight on all the cool independent bookstores that we never hear of.
I also like to keep up with Bob’s reading list as he seems to be a well read guy. I had no idea he was a retired teacher or was from Iowa. If you like indie bookshops then you will find a kindred spirit in this interview hosted by Dana Taylor.
The small town of Hobart, NY, calls itself the Book Village of the Catskills, and CBS News recently did a short feature piece on it. Hobart boasts seven bookstores in just a single block. The townsfolk got the idea from the famed Hay on Wye in England. If you like small used bookstores, then click on the image below. I bet you’ll dig this quick news clip of one of New York’s own book villages.
Sweet Home Books is a lovely little bookstore located in downtown Wetumpka, AL. As soon as you enter you can tell it’s run by a real book person. The first room is mainly kids’ books, plus fun book-related gift-y items. The second room has the adult and YA books.
Everything is new and well organized. Sweet Home Books has a fun Instagram account to follow. There’s plenty of art and shops around the river and downtown as well, so it’s worth a walk around.
Sweet Home Books 107 E. Bridge Street Wetumpka, AL 36092 Tuesday-Saturday 11am-6pm Sunday & Monday – closed
Here are a few photos from my visit:
The Coosa River is a very short walk from the bookstore and has some great views to take in while reading a new book.
I finally made it by Little Professor – Pepper Place, back just before Christmas. This is an offshoot of Homewood, AL’s longstanding bookstore – Little Professor Book Center. The new location is tucked around the corner from the main parking lot and is a fantastic spot. The location is walkable from a number of shops and restaurants all the while maintaining a “hidden shop” feeling even with its high ceilings and big bright windows.
They are located at: 2807 2nd Ave S, Suite B Birmingham, AL 3523
Their hours are: Everyday 8:00am – 3:00pm
The selection is on par with the Homewood location, but the sidelines and gift-y items, at the Pepper Place location, are a bit different. There were plenty of shelves full of new titles and plenty of empty shelves ready to be filled.
Here are a few photos that I took of the bookshop. If you’re in the area, it’s worth swinging by to see what they have in your area of interest.
