Current:Home > ScamsRussell Specialty Books has everything you'd want in a bookstore, even two pet beagles -FutureFinance
Russell Specialty Books has everything you'd want in a bookstore, even two pet beagles
Oliver James Montgomery View
Date:2025-04-08 13:19:53
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 book recommendations.
This week we have Russell Specialty Books and Gifts in Russell, Kansas!
“It sounds like a novel,” said owner Linda Crowder. “A mystery writer moves to a tiny Midwestern town and opens a bookstore. But it’s Russell County’s Business of the Year 2023!”
As Russell’s only bookstore — the only bookstore within a 60 mile radius — Russell Specialty Books and Gifts is committed to serving its community. On top of selling books, the store hosts dozens of annual events, including a summer speaker series and regular author signings. Writers (aspiring or published) can join the Russell Writers Club that meets every Thursday afternoon.
Check out: USA TODAY's weekly Best-selling Booklist
Recently, the bookstore collaborated with the Russell County Historical Society to publish a local history book through Arcadia Books. And, they have bookstore pets.
“One of our customers' favorite things about the store is our bookstore beagles, Buddy and JJ,” said Crowder. “We adopted these brothers at 4 months and they've been coming to the store ever since. They sleep in the windows, greet customers, play with children and make the store more like home."
There is one book Crowder recommends for other small businesses (or anyone) based in smaller communities:
- "13 Ways to Kill Your Community" by Doug Griffiths and Kelly Clemmer
“This book was written to raise awareness in small towns about the things that are killing our communities and how to reverse that and build communities that thrive,” she explained. “Our county has adopted this book as a discussion and unifying resource but I think it could do great things for other rural communities.”
More:Go inside Hub City Bookshop in South Carolina and meet mascot cat Zora
For now, Crowder encourages everyone to shop local.
“Anytime you shop locally your money stays local and helps your own community,” she said. “Bookstores support community events, local nonprofits and school activities. And local bookstores remember you — the books you've already bought, the kind of books/authors you like — without having to look you up in the computer!”
Check out these titles recommended by author and bookstore owner, Linda Crowder:
- "Images of America: Russell County" by Linda Crowder and the Russell County Historical Society
- "Surviving Hitler, Evading Stalin: One Woman's Remarkable Escape from Nazi Germany" by Mildred Schindler Janzen
- "Cabby Potts, Duchess of Dirt" by Kathleen Wilford
- "Poopsie Gets Lost" by Hannah E. Harrison
- "Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet" by Mandy Kern and Onalee Nicklin
- "The Women" by Kristin Hannah
veryGood! (47913)
Related
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- The US Nuclear Weapons Program Left ‘a Horrible Legacy’ of Environmental Destruction and Death Across the Navajo Nation
- ‘Suezmax’ Oil Tankers Could Soon Be Plying the Poisoned Waters of Texas’ Lavaca Bay
- Warming Trends: The BBC Introduces ‘Life at 50 Degrees,’ Helping African Farmers Resist Drought and Driftwood Provides Clues to Climate’s Past
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- Chinese Factories Want to Make Climate-Friendly Air Conditioners. A US Company Is Blocking Them
- The Home Depot says it is spending $1 billion to raise its starting wage to $15
- With the World Focused on Reducing Methane Emissions, Even Texas Signals a Crackdown on ‘Flaring’
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Mod Sun Appears to Reference Avril Lavigne Relationship After Her Breakup With Tyga
Ranking
- Why we love Bear Pond Books, a ski town bookstore with a French bulldog 'Staff Pup'
- Jennifer Lawrence Hilariously Claps Back at Liam Hemsworth Over Hunger Games Kissing Critique
- Inside Clean Energy: Biden’s Oil Industry Comments Were Not a Political Misstep
- Beyoncé's Adidas x Ivy Park Drops a Disco-Inspired Swim Collection To Kick off the Summer
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Beyoncé's Adidas x Ivy Park Drops a Disco-Inspired Swim Collection To Kick off the Summer
- TikTok sets a new default screen-time limit for teen users
- Dylan Lyons, a 24-year-old TV journalist, was killed while reporting on a shooting
Recommendation
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
To Flee, or to Stay Until the End and Be Swallowed by the Sea
Inside Clean Energy: Here Are 3 States to Watch in 2021
Janet Yellen visits Ukraine and pledges even more U.S. economic aid
The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
An Explosion in Texas Shows the Hidden Dangers of Tanks Holding Heavy Fuels
Here's why Arizona says it can keep growing despite historic megadrought
Herbivore Sale: The Top 15 Skincare Deals on Masks, Serums, Moisturizers, and More