Elizabeth Barrett
July 2025
tl;dr - This is overall a really cute bookstore and definitely a fun stop for tourists. As far as indie bookstores go, its selection, displays, and programming reflect an unwillingness to upset the highly conservative community it operates in. Still worth a stop to say hi and see what’s on the shelves. 😊📚 Strengths: - Woman-owned and proud 💝 - Lots of neat bookish accessories/extras like journals, book sleeves, sweaters, loose leaf tea, etc. - A consistently stocked and evolving selection of MN authors and Indigenous books - A super fun corner for young readers including toys and books for all ages - Occasional author events and seasonal activities - Part of a strong small business community in Downtown Bemidji Weaknesses: - Lacking in identity; teetering the line between Christian/conservative bookstore and social justice hub - Limited mutual aid efforts and community outreach - Somewhat disappointing selection of books from marginalized voices, which are rarely highlighted - Browsing can be uncomfortable as almost all shelving opens up to the front desk; can feel like being rushed under constant supervision (though this could be remedied with a simple redesign of the space)






