Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities. They provide culture and community, generate local jobs and sales tax revenue, promote literacy and education, champion and center diverse and new authors, connect readers to books in a personal and authentic way, and actively support the right to read and access to books in their communities.
Each week we profile an independent bookstore, sharing what makes each one special and getting their expert and unique book recommendations. This week we have Ellyn Grimm and Amanda Lepper, co-owners of Dog-Eared Books in Ames, Iowa.
What’s your store’s story?
We are high school classmates who returned to our hometown to raise families. We reconnected over a shared love of reading, social justice and our strong-willed daughters who ended up in the same preschool class. As the years passed, we hatched a plan to create something we thought was sorely missing in our community – an independent bookstore. Dog-Eared Books opened on International Women’s Day in 2021. We are a place committed to nurturing a love of reading for all members of our community by offering a thoughtfully curated and inclusive selection of books. We believe reading and storytelling make us better humans, allowing us to better care for one another.
What makes your independent bookstore unique?
We’re proud to be located on a thriving, historic Main Street in a college town that attracts people from all over the world. We engage with our local community in a multitude of ways: more than 15 book clubs, puzzle competitions, book fairs for kids and adults, author events, fundraisers, collaborations with other community businesses and organizations and advocacy work around social justice issues.
In the age of algorithms and AI, bookstores do what tech cannot – human connection. Our booksellers read voraciously across all genres and can find the perfect read for anyone who walks through our door. Of course, everyone’s favorite “bookseller” is Story, a 6-month-old golden retriever who works as a service animal in the store.
What’s your favorite section in your store?
We personally love fiction of the slightly absurd variety – “Sky Daddy,” “American Mermaid” and “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” to name a few. That said, we enthusiastically curate for the tastes of all of our readers.
What book do you love to recommend to customers and why?
Right now, we’re really loving “So Far Gone” by Jess Walter. We love to recommend it because we think it’s a book that speaks to so many of us at this particular time. When the temptation to disengage from the world is so strong, the author urges us to remember why we need connection. And it’s funny. We had the privilege of chatting with Jess Walter on our podcast “Bubbles and Books.” It was a delight to discover that even with a laundry list of literary awards to his name, he remains warm and welcoming. We were so inspired by his hopefulness.
What book do you think deserves more attention and why?
We were blown away by “O Sinners!” by Nicole Cuffy. It would be a travesty of epic proportions if it doesn’t win all the things. Cuffy writes with such precision and intention. The interwoven narrative structure is brilliant. She also respects her readers – she gives us challenging, fundamentally human questions to grapple with and she doesn’t give us easy answers. Cuffy also appeared on our podcast.
Why is shopping at local, independent bookstores important?
Reading is a solitary activity, but it can also be the basis for meaningful connection – we have found that our store has become a place that has allowed our community to forge connections and come to know one another better. Independent bookstores are run by readers for readers – each one that you walk into will surprise you with its unique offerings and forever change your reading life.
What are some of your store’s events, programs, or partnerships coming up that you would like to share?
We offer four monthly subscriptions that ship all across the country: new release fiction, romance, chapter book, and picture book. Our podcast discusses two of the best things in life – books and champagne. We’re thrilled to be hosting one of our all-time favorite authors, Kevin Wilson, in June. Some other upcoming authors we’re excited to host are Tarah Dewitt, Jess Walter and Paisley Hope. This summer, we’ll be offering puzzle competitions, a boozy adult book fair and a flash tattoo event benefitting reproductive health care.
