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Drive around the Lake of the Isles (because it’s a lake with an island in it–maybe two. I only saw one, but I was more worried about avoiding a car accident than counting the islands) and through a beautiful neighborhood in Minneapolis, you will come upon Birchbark Books & Native Arts, a small, but beautiful bookstore. In the summer of 2022, Birchbark Books added a new Little Free Native Seed Library to the sidewalk outside of Birchbark Books. Visitors are encouraged to stop by and: 1. Take seeds or seedlings home to plant. Need some gardening inspiration? They have books for that inside the store! Louise Erdrich is a Native American, specifically the Ojibway tribe. Her novels and other written works are based on her heritage, but it is not solely about the plight of the Native Americans. I’m not trying to belittle the history of the Native American people. I know their history is so sad, and it is uplifting to experience the beauty of the people and see them overcome. And that is Louise Erdrich. Her bookstore, Birchbark Books, is an extension of her personal work. Although small, this store is filled to overflowing with a beautiful selection of children’s books, young adult books, adult fiction, and nonfiction books. Each selection highlights the Native American literature but is not limited to it. You will find Charles Dickens in the midst of Ojibway history or a book of Dakota poetry beside a book regarding raising teens. Susan, the manager, showed me around the store while pointing out where to find the Native American literature in that section, and she explained to me that everything they had was based on the truth. In her words, “You won’t find any New Age.” That was so refreshing. That statement alone made me want to come back. The store is so cozy with wood flooring, the children’s corner red bookshelves, Native American art, and birch accents everywhere. Most of the decorative art is from Louise’s personal collection. Artistic prints are for sale in the store as well as a handful of handcrafted items from jewelry to jelly. Birchbark Books’ pal is Dharma who is the most beautiful black mutt you will ever meet. Her whole demeanor is quietness and gentleness. JackJack who is screamingly petrified of dogs didn’t once freak out. He even touched her. I’m telling you she is an amazing animal. With a canoe hanging from the ceiling for the adults and an impressive young adult selection, Birchbark Books is a precious treasure located in beautiful Minneapolis. Originally written February 17, 2015Related Articles:
Visit the Little Free Native Seed Library
2. Initial and date the clipboard inside.
3. Help pollinatorsMeet Louise Erdrich, Owner of Birchbark Books
Birchbark Books – A Cozy Little Store
Highlights of Birchbark Books:
Disadvantages of Birchbark Books:
by Gianna Kordatzky