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 that places a special emphasis on Native American titles, arts and crafts. In 2023, the owners of Birchbark announced that they are expanding to a second store in Loring Corners building in downtown Minneapolis. You’ll find it about a block east of Hennepin on Harmon Place along the northwest edge of Loring Park. The new space will have room to host author events and more. One of the first events we saw offered in the new space was a children’s book event, so we are hopeful that we’ll be seeing more family-friendly events in the coming years. Susan, the manager, showed me around the West 21st Street 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.” Â 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, 2015 In the summer of 2022, Birchbark Books added a new Little Free Native Seed Library to the sidewalk outside of Birchbark Books. Visitors are welcome to stop by and: 1. Take seeds or seedlings home to plant. Need some gardening inspiration? They have books for that inside the store! 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 non-Native writers, like Charles Dickens, in the midst of Ojibway history or a book of Dakota poets beside a book regarding raising teens. “Birchbark Books is operated by a spirited collection of people who believe in the power of good writing, the beauty of handmade art, the strength of Native culture, and the importance of small and intimate bookstores.”
Related Articles:
Birchbark Books – Expansion to Second Location
Loring Corners Neighborhood
Birchbark Books Kenwood Location – A Cozy Little Store
Kenwood Neighborhood:
Highlights of Birchbark Books:
Disadvantages of Birchbark Books:
by Gianna Kordatzky
Visit the Little Free Native Seed Library
2. Initial and date the clipboard inside.
3. Help pollinators
Meet Louise Erdrich, Owner of Birchbark Books
About Birchbark Books
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