One of my favorite things about visiting friends in other towns is when they take you to fun local stops. Especially when those stops are bookstores. On a recent trip to Columbia, Missouri our friends took us to their favorite book place in town – Yellow Dog Bookshop. When we walked in I knew why they loved it so much. It’s a shop meant for browsing, and then finding, book treasures.
What I liked most about the shop was the variety of books available. They have a lot of used books. But unlike many used book stores in my area of the world, these were all interesting. I don’t know if they curate the books, find the books in another way, or if Columbia just has a diverse and eclectic group of readers rotating their books through the store, but I can’t remember seeing so many fun and unique books in such a small space and in a short span of time.
Yellow Dog isn’t a large bookstore, it’s the smaller one in the downtown area. Yes – there are two independent bookstores in Columbia’s downtown area yet I can hardly find one within a 20-minute drive of my home in North Carolina. But anyway, Even though it’s small, it utilizes the space with great books.
The children’s section, at the back of the shop, was big enough for the three kids in our party to get comfortable. They all found books, read to each other, and enjoyed their space while the adults browsed.
The art on the wall (at least the art for sale) followed the theme of the rest of the store – fun, local, and priced nice. I like how all of it, the books and the art, reflects the community.
Be warned – you’ll find awesome books that, most likely, you haven’t seen at your local big-box store. I walked out with a book of Slovakian Fairy Tales.
More information about Yellow Dog Bookshop:
Yellow Dog Bookshop offers author readings and signings, children’s storytime, and other events throughout the year. Check out their website to coordinate your visit.
If you can’t visit Columbia, but still want some Yellow Dog magic, consider joining their book subscription service. Let them know what kind of books you like, and they’ll send you a new book every other month. Books aren’t refundable, but books make good gifts and you can always find someone to share with.
8 South Ninth Street
Columbia, Mo 65201
