Bookbug & this is a bookstore

"Bookbug and this is a bookstore" is a unique cultural space in the city of Kalamazoo that combines a sincere love for literature with the cozy atmosphere of a modern cafe. This place has become a real community hub for locals and guests traveling around the USA in search of authentic and soulful locations. Here, under one roof, a bright, colorful children's section and a stylish, thoughtful zone for an adult audience coexist harmoniously.

At its core, this is an independent bookstore that has gone beyond the scope of a regular retail outlet. Bookbug specializes in children's literature, offering young readers a magical world of stories, while "this is a bookstore" (the second part of the name literally translates as "this is a bookstore") offers a wide selection of modern prose, non-fiction, and classics for adults. A distinctive feature of the establishment is the presence of a full-fledged bar-cafe, making it an ideal place for leisure.

The interior of the establishment is distinguished by spaciousness, an abundance of light, and cozy reading corners. It is not just a shop, but a real community, where you can hide from the city bustle, find inspiration, and spend time enriching the mind and soul.

For the convenience of planning your visit, we have collected all the necessary contact details of this wonderful book space in one table.

The main activity here is, of course, immersing yourself in the world of books. You can wander for hours between the shelves, studying carefully selected collections: from colorful illustrated editions in the Bookbug children's zone to serious literature and new bestsellers in the main hall. The store staff is known for being knowledgeable and is always ready to help with a recommendation or the search for a rare copy.

Be sure to stop by the local cafe-bar called Table of Contents. Here, visitors are offered not only excellent coffee and tea but also a menu with craft beer, wine, and light snacks. This is a great opportunity to combine choosing a book with gastronomic pleasure, settling down at a table or in a soft armchair with a new book in your hands.

If you are traveling with children, they will surely like the play area and regular events, such as "story times", which are often held in the children's department. For adults, meetings with authors, book launches, and discussion clubs are also often organized here, which allows you to plunge into the cultural life of Kalamazoo.

Getting to "Bookbug and this is a bookstore" is quite simple, as it is located in the Oakwood area (Oakwood Plaza). If you are traveling by a car, head towards Oakland Drive. There is a spacious parking lot in front of the store, which makes the visit convenient for those traveling by car.

For those who prefer public transport, there is a bus network in Kalamazoo. You should look for routes passing along Oakland Drive or Whites Road; stops are within walking distance of the shopping center. However, the schedule may change, so it is recommended to check it in advance.

You can also always use taxi services or ridesharing services (for example, Uber or Lyft). A trip from the city center or from the Western Michigan University campus will take only about 5–10 minutes, which makes the location easily accessible for tourists without personal transport.

The history of this place began in 2008, when Heidi Raak opened a small but cozy children's literature store called Bookbug. Initially, it was a space entirely dedicated to young readers, where a love for books was instilled from an early age. Thanks to a carefully curated assortment and a warm atmosphere, the store quickly won the hearts of locals.

Over time, it became obvious that parents and adult visitors also needed their own literary refuge. In 2017, the concept was significantly expanded: a full-fledged space for an adult audience called "this is a bookstore" was added to the children's department. This expansion allowed for the creation of a unique hybrid format uniting generations of readers.

An interesting fact is that the owners decided not just to sell books, but to create a social hub. A cafe-bar Table of Contents appeared inside, which was a bold step for an independent bookstore. Today, this place is known as one of the best independent bookstores in the region, actively supporting the local community and reading culture.

If you plan to just stop by for a specific book, the visit may take about 20–30 minutes. However, the atmosphere of this place encourages a lack of haste, and most guests stay here much longer.

To fully enjoy your visit, including viewing new items on the shelves, choosing gifts, and visiting the cafe, we recommend setting aside from 1 to 2 hours. This time will be enough to enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, read the beginning of a chosen book, and feel the coziness of this unique space.

The store and cafe are open daily, offering a convenient schedule for visits both on weekdays and weekends. From Monday to Saturday, the doors are open to visitors from 09:00 to 21:00, which allows you to drop by even after a working day or dinner.

In Sunday, the schedule is slightly reduced: the establishment works from 09:00 to 18:00. We recommend taking this time into account if you plan an evening visit at the end of the week.

After visiting the bookstore and cafe, you will surely have time to explore the surroundings. The area and the city itself offer many interesting places, from historic buildings to popular gastronomic spots, which will help you get to know the local flavor better.