"Did you just compare high intellecutalism to a Twinkie??" - Ali to Nialle

"This is not reality, it's a bookstore." - Nialle

In honor of our late investor, business advisor, proud promoter, and beloved grandfather, William Weldon Woods (d. 22 April 2009), and his father, Weldon William Woods (d. 16 Jan, 1991), mentor and friend, we will be naming the room containing antiquarian and rare books and books about Iowa "Weldon's Room." Both men farmed at Maple Knoll in Cedar County, Iowa, which has been in the family for over 150 years, and both encouraged Nialle in her education; Bill Woods was enormously supportive of Nialle's purchase and management of the Haunted Bookshop, and we guess he understood that while Nialle is inept at growing even cherry tomatoes, the seeds of curiosity and literacy, well tended, can fruit as bountifully as a field of good Iowan earth.

We just went on a huge buying binge. Come see all our wonderful new toys!

National Book Critics Circle Award Winners 2008

Best Novel was awarded to the late Roberto Bolaño for his novel 2666.

The Poetry Prize was awarded to Juan Felipe Herrera for Half the World in Light.

Welcome to our new house! We now have over 40,000 books and almost twice the space - come see what's changed (taller bookcases and tons of new toys) and what's the same (Logan, for example, still really desperately needs your attention).

We've moved!

Volumes of thanks to the volunteers who chipped in a half hour here or (in the case of some, like D) two weeks there. I couldn't have done it without you; you know that; but in case I haven't mentioned it enough, can I also say that you did an incredible job? The place looks great! I wish there were some wa...y I could tape all the compliments the store gets so that you could hear all your hard-earned praise.

What's next? Well, the Ghosts and I are still unpacking (!) for now, but I have placed some new toy orders. Look for new action figures, glow-in-the-dark zombies, and tons of new puppets in the next two weeks, with more board and card games coming soon thereafter!

We still need volunteers, 10am-whenever, to help move the bookshop into its new home. Volunteers can help unpack boxes, move bookcases, carry loads, organize their favorite sections, and more... come to our new location and check in with Nialle! We could REALLY use a truck or large van, too.