Phil Druker/Department of English/ University of Idaho

 

Mary Morgan

Where To Find Books
(Word Count: 775)

 

Moscow offers a wide range of places to find books for people of all kinds: the outdoorsmen, the children, the chefs, the pet lovers, the Vandal fans, and even just the people who like that strange smell of a good ol’ hardcover. 

 

BookPeople Of Moscow.  521 S. Main St., 208-882-7957, Daily 9 a.m.-8 p.m., www.bookpeople.net. Open late for readings and book signings.

Owned by Bob Greene, BookPeople of Moscow is the quintessential college-town independent bookstore.  BookPeople offers books by local writers, and if you fall in love with the area, you can pick up an autographed copy of Alison Meyer’s photography books featuring the Palouse.  However, don’t be fooled by the name because BookPeople offers more than just books.  Here you can find blank journals, calendars, a great selection of magazines, used videos and DVD’s.  There is also a café where you can buy a tea and relax on a cushioned chair.  Readings by local and visiting writers take place frequently and are followed by receptions.  Plus, BookPeople offers you the chance to talk to talk to people who really know something about books.

 

HyperSpud Sports. 402 S. Main St., 208-883-1150, M-F 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sa 9 a.m-6 p.m., Su 12 p.m.-4 p.m., www.hyperspud.com.

A lot of people come to the Palouse to enjoy nature, the paths rarely traveled, the hills with remote alleys, and the chance to get lost in it all.  But, even to get lost in the Palouse, you need to know exactly where to get lost.  John Crock’s HyperSpud has the right maps and guides for you.  Whether you want a local guidebook, a climbing guide, an atlas, a paddling guide, a hiking guide, mapping software, a nature book, a First Aid book, or a how-to book on almost any outdoor topic, HyperSpud has it.  “Things To Do Outside on the Palouse” by Matthew Hall summarizes Moscow and the area in a neat paperback guide that you’ll be happy with.  John Crock welcomes dogs, so walk on in with your best friend, say hi to John, hear a story or two about Moscow, and prepare for an adventure on the Palouse.

 

Lilliput.  312 S. Main St., 208-882-6262, T-Sa 10 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appt., www.myspace.com/lilliputmaternity.

Children’s stores can feel stifling-too many little clothes in too small of a place, and sometimes, there are hundreds of uninteresting books. Lilliput, however, is organized, inviting, and unique.  Bright, striped Smartwool socks hang on one wall while paisley and leopard print diaper bags hang on another. The book section has interesting picture books, educational card games, puzzles, and children’s journals.  It’s hard not to appreciate their handpicked selection.   

 

Main Street Antique Mall. 304 N. Main St., 208-882-2614, M-F 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sa 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Su 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

A block north of the Moose Lodge, the Main Street Antique Mall provides a secret paradise for bookies-if you’re willing to hunt.  The mall houses vintage board games, records, tools and furniture, but a few booths specialize in books, and a few others have a book section hidden behind hammers and Ouija boards.  While you may find a hard copy of your favorite book in mint condition for under $8, you might need to search to find it. Moscow Food Co-Op.  Just off Main Street at 121 East 5th St., 208-882-8537, Daily 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m., www.moscowfoodcoop.com

Attention chefs, Moscow Food Co-Op is no longer solely for groceries.  The selection of cookbooks at the Co-Op keeps growing.  Whether you want meat, fish, vegetarian, or vegan, they have books for you.  Browse the shelves for the right book, and turn down the next aisle to shop for the necessary ingredients.

 

University of Idaho Bookstore.  710 Deakin St., 208-885-6469, Fall & Spring M-F 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sa 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Summer M-F 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  Down 6th street from Main Street, across from the Student Union Building on campus.

Visiting parents, Vandal fans, pre-frosh, and native Moscowites all appreciate the University of Idaho bookstore.  While the bookstore mainly sells textbooks for students, it also offers books by local author, children’s books, journals, planners, and a large selection of Vandal gear.  Also, a well-stocked Vandal Brand Meats’ fridge can be found by the register.  You can get your book for class, and your brats for tailgating all in one place. However, since this store does not offer bargains, the brats might be the most affordable purchase you’ll make. 

 

These stores should handle your book needs while in town, but don’t hesitate to ask if you’re looking for something that you can’t find.  Someone will be sure to help you out.