Behind the Biz is back for it’s second column. This week, Giovanna gets to know Abbey of Storyhouse Bookpub.
Written by Giovanna Zavell, DSMG Contributor
For Storyhouse Bookpub owner, Abbey Paxton, the world of literature is no stranger. What she didn’t always know was she could make a career out of selling books. Read on to learn the whole plot of this independent bookstore’s story.
A Love for Books
“I was drawn to teaching English because of that special power of having a really good book discussion in the classroom as a student,” Abbey says. For all you bookworms out there, I’m sure you can relate. Originally from the rural town of Badger, Iowa, Abbey moved to Denver, Colorado where she taught high school English. It wasn’t until she took a break from teaching to earn a master’s degree that she discovered the world of bookselling.
“I stumbled into a bookstore in Denver on a whim and asked if they were hiring,” she says. “I thought it would be a fun job while I went back to school.” As luck would have it, she was hired. It didn’t take very long for Abbey to become deeply entrenched in the success of the store. She learned how to run author events, children’s programming and honed bookselling as a skill. Abbey also worked with authors and publishers, becoming part of the conversation when it came to new books and selling them.
“I fell in love with how indie bookstores anchor their neighborhoods and become meaningful gathering places,” she says.
People Connect Around Stories
Abbey moved back to Des Moines in January of 2020, and just two months later founded Storyhouse Bookpub. The store functioned mainly as a traveling bookstore—collaborating with other local businesses to bring storytimes and pop-up shops to events. In June 2021, Storyhouse Bookpub opened a brick and mortar storefront in the East Village. But what is a “bookpub?”
“I wanted the name to reflect a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere,” Abbey says. “I wanted it to be a place where people can come together to talk about their reading lives, like they would in the living room of a cozy house—or in the booth of a neighborhood pub.” This is why so many events incorporate food and drink,—a pub-like element Abbey hopes to continue to expand on in the growth of the store.
Storyhouse Bookpub sells a mix of recently released adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as a wide variety of children’s books. Everyone who visits is guaranteed to leave with a good book in hand. And if you aren’t sure what to read next, Abbey and her team of passionate booksellers are quick to offer a recommendation or two.
“I put a lot of thought into curating a diverse and relevant book collection,” Abbey says. “The whole idea is to offer a place in the community to come together around books and reading, while welcoming other small businesses into our events and inventory as much as we can.”
Small Business, Big City
There are so many amazing small businesses here in Des Moines, and we love to love them. We asked Abbey what being a part of this community means to her.
“It’s such a lovely give-and-take conversation with the community,” she says. “Not only do you get to see your dream come to life as your neighbors support it, but that support allows you to deeply invest back in the community in financial and relational ways that shape not only your business, but the city.”
Hot Off the Press
We asked Abbey for some of her favorite and best selling titles in the shop. Be sure to stop in Storyhouse Bookpub and check these out next time you need a new book!
Bestselling Fiction: When No One Was Watching by Alyssa Cole
This thriller is perfectly balanced with humor, incisive social commentary, and romance. It’s a staff favorite across the board and the book that we constantly hand over to readers looking for something fun and thoughtful.
Bestselling Nonfiction: Girlhood by Melissa Febos
Melissa is one of our Iowa authors living over in Iowa City and one of the best creative nonfiction writers I’ve ever read. We hosted her for our very first author event that we were so honored to sell out in Raygun’s mezzanine. These essays delve into the female experience of growing up and examination of the patriarchy with searing honesty that blends memoir with research, mythology, pop culture and literature.
Also be sure to check out the Storyhouse’s 2022 reading series featuring kickass Iowa authors and local bakers’ desserts and drinks. See the line up and purchase tickets here.
Storyhouse Bookpub
Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Want more?
Want more behind the scenes of cool people and businesses in Des Moines. Check out our “Meet” category at the link below.