On Tour: Barnes & Noble Arrowhead

In the way of "big box stores" Barnes & Noble is one of the good ones in my opinion. They make an honest effort to do right by authors and publishers. They have a wide range of books and this location also has a great selection of gifts and games. (If you're a Hunger Games fan or interested in all the hype, stop by!) There is a round Starbuck's in the center of the store which often has book themed treats and is a great place to use the free wi-fi. I have met here for self-start book clubs and they don't mind you hanging out and chatting for a bit. This store is clean, well-organized and well-stocked. Their focus is clearly on the Nook but the staff is friendly enough and willing to help when asked.

Arrowhead Barnes & Noble

7685 West Bell Road
Peoria, AZ 85382
623-487-9022

On Tour: Changing Hands Bookstore

Changing Hands is a fantastic Indie bookstore in Tempe, AZ. Putting aside their massive selection of used books, great selection of new books, and ability to order pretty much anything, what makes this store truly fantastic is what they do for the book community. They have author's in to sign all the time, workshops, and much, much more. In fact, tomorrow night, 2/29/12, they will have Anne Rice in to sign. Sadly, I won't be going this time but I did last time and she was a wonderful author to meet! Another fantstic feature of Changing Hands is if you can't make one of their signings, you can still buy the book through them, they will have the author sign it and ship it to you. If you have never been there you are really missing out! 

Changing Hands Bookstore

 

6428 S McClintock Dr
Tempe, AZ 85283
480-730-0205

Previous mentions on LitPool: 

Michael Scott signs

Dark Days of Supernatural Tour

Aprilynne Pike signs

On Tour: Thrifty Joe's

This store is much larger than it first appears and has a great selection of  books and music. (If you're looking for records head for the back and hang a right at the Post Office.) I have picked up a number of books here, the complete Molly Moon series by Georgia Byng and Brsingr by Christopher Paolini to name a few. The large and popular store is well organized for browsing but has so much in it that you want to watch your step if you're a bit of a klutz! I *believe* it is the largest used bookstore in the West Valley of the Sun.





Thrifty Joe's Books and Music
Facebook
6020 West Bell Rd Suite E-104
Glendale, AZ  85308
602-547-2540



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On tour: Peoria Public Library - Main Branch

This is the public library I visit the most and if you think my book store addiction is bad, my library addiction is 10 times worse! The library has some nice areas and a pretty good selection, though their newer branch is considerably larger and much better stocked. Luckily they have a good website and I can request anything in their system and they will bring it to the Main Branch so I don't have to travel. Peoria Public Library has some good community programs but you have to keep your eyes open or hunt the city Calendar of Events in order to find them.

If you're not a library person here are 5 reasons you should try it out:

1. Free movies! Forget Netfllix, Redbox, and Blockbuster, simply checkout the many movies that are free to rent.
2. Audio books! They're pricy and can be hard to find... libraries have tons of them and they are fantastic for road trips and cleaning the house.
3. Community programs, classes, and ways to ditch your teenager! Um, I mean activities for teenagers and internet access/computer labs. Everything from author signings to free language and computer courses.
4. Instruction books and cd's! Learn French, how to play the piano, and how to create an organic garden and much more - without spending a cent.
5. And finally, the internet does NOT have everything, there is much to be found in books that has not made its way to the internet yet.

Peoria Public Library - Main Branch
8463 W. Monroe St.
Peoria, AZ 85345

Book Places and Spaces Launch

In lieu of being "on tour" today, I am announcing the launch of the page, Book Places and Spaces. Similar to the Author Rainbow in nature, the page will be a directory of physical places books or where books have taken place. I live in the Valley of the Sun and will be hitting places like libraries and bookstores pretty regularly. I will also be talking about places such as the Wizarding World (Harry Potter), Forks, WA (Twilight), and Crescent City, CA (Wings).

Currently every place I've reviewed or mentioned is on a "just because" status. If at any point I am sponsored or anything like that I of course will mention it. On that note, if you have a place you want me to check out, have something to say, or whatever, feel free to comment or email me!

On tour: Book Rack

The Book Rack in Phoenix on Bell is a neat little book shop that specializes in used paperbacks. It's bright orange shelves, large windows, and clean, organized shelves allow for a quietly cheerful atmosphere. It's a fun place to browse and with excellent prices and good selection I can never seem to escape without picking out a couple of books.

Book Rack
3539 W Bell Road
Phoenix, AZ 85023

On tour: My own library

As part of the Book Places and Spaces page I'm including my own private little library. No, I don't live in a huge house or anything, however, I do have a small bedroom in my house that has a large cut out to my formal living room. When we moved in it already had some floor to ceiling bookshelves (below) and so of course as any good bibliophile would do, I declared it the library. My book collection has actually outgrown the little room and it is in progress of  being reorganized and new bookshelves are being added. It looks pretty good in the meantime though. I love book spaces they're just so inviting!

On tour: A Peace of the Universe

I found the most charming little mystical book shop today, A Peace of the Universe. The owner, Judith, was sweet and very knowledgable. It had a wide variety of items and once she knew that I was mostly a fiction fan, she immediately rustled up a book, Mica Moon and The Domed Cities, that sounds pretty good and right up my alley. Stay tuned for the review!

A Peace of the Universe
7000 E Shea St 1710
Scottsdale, AZ 85254