The Ivy Bookshop

The Ivy is a quaint little bookshop, perfect for browsing on a weekend morning. There was a time when they didn’t have the book I needed for my book club, but they easily ordered it for me and had it ready a few days later. Happy to support my local bookshop!

This is a lovely, cozy bookstore with very knowledgeable staff and a warm, tranquil ambience. When we entered the bookstore, a few fellow readers were at the billing desk, talking about ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ and the bookseller had an additional, detailed recommendation for a similar, older, (and what sounded like a) beautiful book, ‘A Sand County Almanac’ by Aldo Leopold. He placed it in context and told its story so well, I was inspired to get the book (they didn’t have it in stock, so elsewhere). I really appreciate such bibliophilic conversations and was particularly happy I was witness to this one. The only danger here is getting lost in the stacks once you enter. Definitely one of the nicest bookstores I’ve been to in the US!

Their romance section is paltry. It’s literally a small corner with perhaps 30 books total, and half by a single author. With romance being a very popular category, I am stunned that they neglect it so much. I also don’t like when I have to check prices with a cashier. I picked up at least three gift items (calendar and two items on the table right where you walk in) and there were no prices marked. It wasn’t a good experience and I wouldn’t be back based on what I’m looking for.

Hard to rate a book store less than 5 stars since they are so noble, but I enjoyed the place. I should have taken a picture since the first first one they pops up on here is the store front of their old location (hopefully that will get updated). It was cute inside and the worker was really helpful. Unfortunately didn’t have the book we were looking for at the time but they offered to order it for us.