Spotlight on Bookstores: *River Lights 2nd Edition* in Dubuque, Iowa

I’m not one to make many wagers, but I’d stake money (or books, wine, or chocolate) on the number of you who will be saying

Photo Credit: Joey Wallis

“I want to visit River Lights!” after reading this Spotlight on Bookstores post by author Heather Gudenkauf. Heather even shares how the bookstore in her just-published novel, These Things Hidden, is modeled after this wonderful spirited bookstore.  She is also the author of The Weight of Silence (7/2009).  You can visit Heather Gudenkauf’s website, become a fan of These Things Hidden on Facebook, and follow her on twitter at @HGudenkauf.

Heather will be participating in an author chat at the Book Trib social media site (I believe the chat is next week; I’ll update here when details are firm).  If you haven’t looked at the new Book Trib site, do go check it out – I love the nice bright design and layout.  While you’re looking forward to reading These Things Hidden and to chatting with Heather on Book Trib, here’s a piece to whet your appetite:

My first encounter with River Lights 2^nd Edition was when it was in its 1^st edition. I was a third grade teacher during my pre-published author days and I was trying to find an authentic, fun way for students to share their writing projects with the community. The staff at River Lights was more than accommodating. They showcased my students’ writing in the store, hosted an author’s reception complete with refreshments and offered door prizes to the children and their families. When River Lights moved to its current location, a gorgeous 1870s building, the former Pusateri’s Grocery, with its original wooden floors and tin ceilings, in the heart of downtown Dubuque, it found the perfect home to match its warmth and charm.

Sue Davis, the proprietor of River Lights 2^nd Edition, lives and does business as we allshould, by the credo Culture, Community, Connectedness. River Lights supports all-things cultural, including local authors, artists, musicians, as well as film, theater, dance, and edibles. You can even order and have delivered to River Lights, an assortment of seasonal produce from Two Onion Farm, a local organic farm. River Lights loves the community and has available many programs and services that make all feel welcomed. A wide range of books and activities for children are offered, including poetry and bookmark contests. Staff will travel to local schools and organizations in order to speak about a variety of literary topics and if you’d like, you can even have an environmentally friendly bicycle delivery of your book to the downtown area.

While my new novel These Things Hidden is completely fictional, the bookstore in the novel is modeled after River Lights 2^nd Edition. From the polished wooden floors at your feet to the floor to ceiling bookshelves, River Lights 2^nd Edition is the epitome of cozy, complete with its own mascot, Indie, an affectionate, roly poly cat that my daughters seek out whenever we visit. Indie even attended an author’s panel I attended, finding a warm lap on which to snooze while the attendees listened. Visitors are also invited to bring their own dogs into the store and will be welcomed with an organic doggie treat upon arrival. The staff is always there to ask about my family and is always ready with a book recommendation. I am never disappointed with what they suggest. Whenever I enter it feels like coming home. If you are ever in the Dubuque area, please stop in. I know you’ll love River Lights 2^nd Edition as much as I do!