White Rose Books & More

White Rose is such a gem for the public to have. They have such a nice selection of books and all wrapped in such a welcoming environment. The presentation is gorgeous with the art hanging on the walls and the colors displayed throughout the shop. My favorite part about this place is the “banned books section” showing all the priceless works of art that our state has decided to ban for whatever reason. White Rose is a blessing to get to go to and I won’t by my books from anywhere else!!

I really wanted to like this bookstore but they make it difficult. I’ve been here five times in the past few months, but only actually entered the store twice because they weren’t open on time every other time I visited. The first time I went, it was during the Halloween event downtown. The employees were nice and I bought a few books. The second time, I waited almost 20 minutes past the posted opening time before they actually opened. I still shopped and bought a few more books because I wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt. I even went to a book club meeting there and it was fun. But the past few times, including today, I showed up a few minutes after the posted opening time and the store was dark and closed. I waited for about 15 minutes and they still hadn’t opened, so I left. I understand things happen, but you can’t run a business this way and then be surprised when customers don’t show up. Also, they recently posted on their social media about the two dogs who roam freely through the store. A customer complained and the owner stated that they would be happy to put the dogs away when asked, but the dogs shouldn’t be in a place of business to begin with. It’s unprofessional. It’s your place of business, not your home. It is easy to see why they are going out of business and closing their storefront. I purchased a ticket to a Freida McFadden release event for which refunds are not allowed. Because of the way they run their business I will not be attend the event. They can have my $50. I would rather just not go.

White rose is a very nice book store with both used and new books. It had a great selection of fantasy, and romance books. The only reason I docked them a star is because at the counter they had hunger games merch, and my son said we just started this book, and the lady spoiled the ending. It’s hard enough to get kids to read… that gets a huge side eye. And then she says well I thought maybe he had seen the movie. Ugh.

This place is terrific. I loved learning the history of how it came about, as I had read the big piece about them in the Washington Post before they opened. And my favorite? Well, the section with caution tape around it called banned books! Decor is perfect and great gift ideas with both book and items other than books.