About Town - I Know You Like a Book

I would rather do anything than mention a Meg Ryan movie but even I have to admit that there are two redeeming qualities to You've Got Mail, in an otherwise mundane Nora Ephron plot:  

• Brinkley, Tom Hanks' character's dog, (even irritating men are lovable with a dog like that) and,
• The Shop Around the Corner, the longstanding bookshop that was driven out of business by the big, bad Fox Books. (F-O-X... okay, the kid was cute, too.)

I have watched the movie a handful of times and every time I am mesmerized by the concept of a tiny, independent bookshop, surviving for decades on the endless book-loving knowledge of its staff and its tiny patrons and their parents. The movie portrays an image of a bookshop that, let's face it, is rare to find these days. 

There are a handful of bookstores in the Peoria area and other than the Big B's (Barnes & Noble and Borders) most of them deal exclusively in used books. I don't want to disparage the name of any local business because anyone making it in this trying economy deserves kudos and patronage, however, some would do well to take lessons from I Know You Like a Book, the delightful little bookshop in the downtown area of Peoria Heights. (And have you ever heard of a better name for a bookshop? I didn't think so.)

If ever there was our own The Shop Around the Corner, I Know You Like a Book is it. You are greeted warmly every time you enter, the rooms and shelves are meticulously orderly and clean, you are directed exactly to where you need to be to find the book you're looking for and the staff will not only have comments on the books you've selected but will also tell you what other books you are going to want to read based on what you've chosen. If for some reason you can't find what you're looking for, they will gladly order it for you. The shop is a large supporter of local area authors and at least once a month has one in to promote their current release and to sign books for shoppers. They also put out a newsletter on area reading/writing news and host the monthly meeting of the Midwest Writers' Group. 

I Know You Like a Book sells both new and used books and offers a warm, cozy atmosphere that is much like wandering into someone's den, rather than a business. You can even have a glass of wine and pet the affable store mascot, Ringo, the dachshund who will most likely be lying in his bed beside the counter. All in all, you will enjoy your time there, even if you leave empty handed. I can't speak to that personally as I have never left without a bag of books, but I am sure that it is true. 

I Know You Like a Book is located at 4707 Prospect Road, Peoria Heights, IL and is open 10am - 6pm, Monday through Saturday, with special holiday hours during the Christmas season. Street parking is available.  You can find them on Facebook here. 

Comments

[Kellee]

Beautifully written, as always! Really makes me want to come and have a glass of wine! :)

Vegas is especially bad for "the big bad chains"... I love little stores like that. Good on you for supporting an independent store. <3

[Maura]

I haven't seen that movie in quite some time, but I do remember the charm of that little bookstore.The one near you sounds so lovely and what all small, independent bookstores should be.

I think I have to visit some time to experience it for myself! :-)