Enjoy the serendipity of finding the right book at this hidden gem in Idaho Falls

 
IDAHO FALLS — A hidden gem in Idaho Falls offers over 14,000 new and used books, puzzles, records, gifts and more.

The Book Shelf, an independent bookstore at 575 3rd Street, began as an online business on Amazon in 2009. Michael Barber and his father, Alan, started it with an extensive rare book collection.

Then, in 2018, they opened the physical store to the public, and it has evolved since.

“We don’t sell online anymore. We sell used books and basically all genres,” said Amanda Poitevin, co-owner of The Book Shelf.

The other co-owner is Tony Chabis. Click here to learn more.

There are books for adults and kids, ranging from fiction to nonfiction. These include history, science, religion, philosophy, romance, young adult, cookbooks and just everything across the board.

“We do sell some new books now, the books that are in high demand by our customers,” Poitevin said. “We also sell gift items, like mugs, stationery, book lights, bookmarks and stickers.”

Poitevin is married to Barber and became involved with the store in 2020. They shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic for a bit, then reopened. She had been a teacher for the past 10 years and had her first child.

She had some free time and decided to make some changes at The Book Shelf.

“My husband had since moved on to a different job, and my father-in-law has passed away, and it just needed some help. Sales were slow. I decided to come in, and I was like, ‘I can make some Facebook posts, and I can do a little bit of advertising and see how it goes,'” Poitevin said.

It turned out that she really liked it. She cleaned it up and got it organized.

“Slowly but surely, our business just grew. It’s a much more vibrant store than it used to be,” Poitevin said. “I think a lot of people say it’s really warm and cozy and just a fun place to explore. We have a typewriter that kids like to play on, we have an old telephone, and we have our record player.”

“So it’s almost like a vintage old-fashioned experience and very analog too. There are no TVs on the wall. The lighting is not bright fluorescent lights. It just kind of feels like a warm library or a warm study or something like that,” she said.

And the book selection is always changing. It’s a “mix of age,” she said.

“Some of them might have been published in the ’70s, some might have been from the ’80s or the ’90s, and some might be basically brand new,” Poitevin said.

The shop might be small, she said, but it has many sections. It’s brimming with treasures. People seem to enjoy getting lost in the shelves and being surrounded by the books.

“The happiest customers at The Book Shelf are the ones who come in with an open mind, and they are coming in to kind of explore the shelves and for a little bit of serendipity,” she said.

That’s where she says The Book Shelf really shines is when people come and have an experience.

“You might go to a certain section, let’s say it’s true crime, but you don’t really know what you are looking for in particular, but you go into the true crime section, and a book just jumps out at you. That, to me, is magic. … The right book finds you,” Poitevin said.

If you recognize Poitevin’s name and picture in this story, it’s because she co-owns Winnie & Mo’s Bookshop in downtown Idaho Falls with her friend Whitney Holmes. It’s an independent bookstore that has new books, stationery, coffee and tea.

RELATED | Duo opening bookstore in downtown Idaho Falls this fall

She said she enjoyed being involved with both book businesses.

“I love that books can take you anywhere and also at your own pace. I’ve realized as I’ve gotten older that I get sort of overstimulated by movies and TV a lot of times. Books are uniquely comforting because I can go at my own pace,” she said. “I read a lot of different varieties and genres.”

The Book Shelf offers cash or trade credit for gently used books. The business also accepts donations. Due to space limitations, Poitevin said it’s best to bring one box of books at a time. Click here to learn more.

“I know a lot of people who read a lot. It seems like they love The Book Shelf because they know that they are going to be able to keep up with their reading habit, but also not break the bank,” Poitevin said.

Used books are about 60 percent off the list price. She said she wants books to be affordable for everyone.

“Let’s say a fiction novel is selling for $30; that was the brand-new price. We sell it for $12.99,” she said. “You know, selling a kids’ book for $2.99 helps keep books in parents’ hands and in kids’ hands. Otherwise, books can be quite expensive.”

You can learn more about The Book Shelf by clicking here. It’s open seven days a week, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Biz Bits

Idaho students still have time to name a snowplow

The following is a news release from the Idaho Transportation Department.

BOISE — Idaho students still have time to participate in ITD’s third annual “Name a Snowplow” contest. Classrooms in grades six through 12, including homeschool students, can submit one original snowplow name now through Saturday.

The contest is designed to help students learn about winter driving safety while adding creativity and character to the snowplows that help keep Idaho roads clear each winter.

Twelve winning names will be selected, with two snowplows named in each of ITD’s six districts. Winning classrooms will receive recognition and a visit from the snowplow and driver bearing their chosen name, along with a winter driving safety presentation.

Teachers may submit one name per classroom. Entries must be appropriate, no more than 15 characters long, and submitted by Saturday. ITD employees will vote on submissions in November, and winners will be announced by the end of the year.

Educators and homeschool families can find contest rules and submit entries on our website.

Questions can be sent to itdcommunication@itd.idaho.gov.

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