Hi, friends! Welcome back to another week of Browsing the Lou. This week’s adventure brings us to Left Bank Books in the Central West End.
First-off I just have to brag on how kind the staff of Left Bank was; they were so fun to chat with about books, and some of them were even wearing cute bookish merch, like sweatshirts that referenced how much they love to read. It was clear that the employees here really love the atmosphere they’re in and are passionate about being present for the customers at Left Bank!
One of my favorite things about visiting was getting to learn some of the history behind the business! After getting to chat with one of the girls at the shop, I learned that this particular hotspot has been loyal to its original mission of anti-war protests for fifty-six years, and the owner of the shop has been around fifty-one! It was so cool to hear about the history and meaning behind this business’s passion and “why.” Getting to understand a business and its story is something that truly makes me want to support them and their mission.
It was also really cool getting to hear from one of the girls at the shop about why she genuinely loved working here so much! Being at the front desk and helping customers out is what she loves most because she not only gets to chat with them about all things books, but she also gets to help them find certain books or items who have something special in mind!
What makes this store unique is that it accepts both used and new books, making a new home for all books that have yet to be loved. They had such a variety of different genres and interests for anyone looking to enhance their hobby of reading or for anyone just getting into reading! I also loved that they had different sections of calendars, games, stickers, and bookmarks, so that there’s a little something for everyone.
One of the things I especially loved was that they had a little “blind date with a book” section. This is personally one of my favorite things to invest in as a reader! I’ve purchased two before at a different bookstore, and they happened to be books on my TBR list (to-be-read), which was so exciting for me! With descriptions of the genre and synopsis of the book on the wrapping, you won’t know what book you’re getting until after you’ve made your purchase and unwrapped the book. Although perhaps a little intimidating, I think it’s something so exciting that everyone should try once, especially if you’re not a big reader and want to get into the hobby!
This is definitely a bookstore I’ll be coming back to. With its friendly atmosphere, colorful variety of books and games, and inspiring mission, this store checks off all of my boxes for what kind of business I want to support. I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s shopping adventure! Tune in next time to come with me to The Book House in Maplewood! Thanks for reading!
Share
