A Novel Idea

When I think back to my childhood, I can never forget my weekly trips to the Omaha Public Library. I was completely infatuated with the thought of being able to take home as many books as I wanted. I used to be, and still am in fact, one of those individuals who loved to read and when I came to that last page of a book, the thrill of the closing that book in a ritual of completion made me want to take on more. Sadly, somewhere along my path, I lost my routine of going to the public library and instead turned straight to the big named bookstore such as Barnes and Noble and Borders (when they still existed). Instantly, I realized that I could get newer books without having to wait for them to make their way to the library. My parents happily complied with my hobby of reading and often bought me new books. As I grew older and realized that I could pay for books with my own money, I became saddened when I would get to the register and realize that one book was costing me anywhere for $10 to $20. Alas, my reading for pleasure took a back seat when no longer wanted to pay for books and I entered high school where I was reading more for school. Every summer, I promised myself that I would read books that I wanted to read; a stack of books even lay on my bookcase for nine months waiting for this time of year. But every summer in high school, I got busier with jobs and had more summer reading homework to do, so as the years and summer past, the stack to “to reads” just got longer and longer.

When I first arrived in Lincoln for my freshman year of college, I was walking downtown one afternoon and happened to come across a little book store nestled in between other small shops such as a small art supply store. The sign read “A Novel Idea”. I was confused at first, but then realized that this was a bookstore. What a clever name. I decided to take my brief investigation of downtown Lincoln into the store. When I walked in, I was instantly drawn to my past. The bookcases in this tiny shop stretched to the ceilings. The shop was small, but the atmosphere was inviting. I was instantly greeted by the warm face of an older woman, the owner I presumed. I started looking around and within five minutes of being in the store, I had already found a stack of books I was going to buy. The prices written on the inside cover of the books proved fair. In this store, I managed to find four books for the price of one new Barnes and Noble book. Though these books were pre-owned, their slightly used charm gave them character. Needless to say, I was a happy camper walking out of that store that day.

Two years later, every time I walk by that store, I always think back to my first few weeks in Lincoln and all of the new places that I had discovered, A Novel Idea being one of them. They always manage to have sales or even have books outside their store that they are giving away for FREE! This store seems to be unknown to many, so I always promote the local places and encourage my friends to go here.

Check out their website!  A Novel Idea Bookstore
They always have interesting news and announcements about upcoming events and sales. I promise you won’t be disappointed with this novel idea of a bookstore.