Uncover your next read at Novel Idea Book Shop in Willmar, Minnesota

WILLMAR

— An avid reader for most of her life, Nicole Twedt enjoys a good book sale. She has purchased literally thousands of titles to fill her shelves over the last few years.

However, those shelves and the books that sit on them are not for Twedt’s personal library. Instead, they are for Novel Ideal Book Shop, Twedt’s used book market inside Middle Fork Cafe in Willmar.

“It keeps the community in books,” Twedt said.

Twedt was already working full-time as a hairstylist when she came across a Facebook post. It said the owner of Flyleaf Book Shop was looking to sell the Willmar business. Officially taking over the bookshop in October 2022, Twedt renamed it Novel Idea.

“I was kind of looking for something else to do. Why not me?” Twedt recalled. “I am an avid reader, reading tons of books all the time, so I feel like I’m knowledgeable enough. It’s been really fun.”

Twedt continued the practice of renting space from Middle Fork, located at 309 Lakeland Dr. S.E. in Willmar, where Novel Idea’s shelves are spread out across the cafe. The shelves are well-stocked with high-quality used books, hardcovers and paperbacks, from many different genres. All fall within a price range from $3 to $12.

Twedt hopes there is a book on Novel Idea’s shelves to interest any reader, no matter their genre of choice. There are bools of general fiction, historical fiction, Christian fiction, fantasy, science fiction, history, biographies, mystery, children’s and young adult.

“Everybody’s tastes are different,” Twedt said.

Finding the books to fill the store’s bookshelves is a bit like a treasure hunt for Twedt. Most of the books come from thrift stores and book sales.

A couple of times a year she will travel to the Twin Cities to shop at massive annual book sales. Twedt said they like to see her coming, as she fills her push wagon and tote bags several times over.

Because Novel Idea sells used books, Twedt said it is rare for her to have new titles at the store. However, readers hoping to pick up the latest fantasy-romance hit or true crime craze may be able to find books that have a similar feel.

“I see if I can find good books that the community will want and I’m also looking for as new as I can find, with publication dates within five years if I can,” Twedt said. “I’m trying to find things that are fairly new.”

Twedt also accepts donations from the public. If she doesn’t end up using some of those books to fill her shelves, she makes sure to turn around and donate the remaining titles to other organizations.

Because Twedt has a full-time job, and now owns Hair Stories salon in Willmar, Twedt doesn’t always have free time to book shop. So when she does get to a big sale or a well-stocked thrift store, she makes sure to buy as much as possible. She keeps the overstock at her home, and will come into Novel Idea several times a week to restock and tidy up the shelves.

“I keep a large stash — a very large stash — so that way I always have something ready to put out when there are open spaces,” Twedt said.

What is popular at the store seems to change from week to week. General fiction is generally the most popular, but sometimes there is a run on political books or biographies.

In the early months of Novel Idea, Twedt said her children’s books sold well, but now that has slowed somewhat. A surprisingly good seller are books about Minnesota or books by Minnesota authors. Those seem to leave the store as soon as Twedt puts them on the shelves.

“Anytime I think I have something figured out, I don’t,” Twedt said.

Novel Idea and Middle Fork Cafe have also partnered together to offer a rather unique monthly event for readers. For nearly a year, a Silent Book Club has been meeting one evening a month at the cafe. Participants have the opportunity to order some tasty food and coffee from the cafe, visit with new and old friends and then take about an hour to read whatever they want.

Twedt said for some who come, those few hours a month are the only time they can get away from their day-to-day responsibilities and enjoy a good book. The next Silent Book Club is scheduled from 5 to 7:15 p.m. Jan. 16, and future dates will be posted on the

Novel Idea Facebook page

.

“It gives people time to dedicate specifically to reading,” Twedt said.

Novel Idea Book Shop is open during the cafe’s business hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Twedt invites old and new readers alike to come check out what her store has to offer. You might just find your new favorite book.

This post was originally published on here