Ingersoll Book Nook

About

Ingersoll Book Nook grew out of a living-room lending library that spilled into hallways and then into a leased bay on Ingersoll. Co-founders Priya Nair and Sam Ortega wanted a place where kids could sprawl on rugs, teens could find queer and BIPOC authors without hunting the back shelf, and adults could linger without buying a coffee to justify the stay. The shop prioritizes independent presses, Iowa writers, and gently used favorites. Weekend story hours fill the front window with parents and grandparents; Thursday evenings bring a quiet writing circle. Staff hand-sell recommendations the way good booksellers always have — by asking what you loved last, not what sold most this week. Priya still opens boxes of new arrivals at the counter; Sam still writes the handwritten shelf-talkers that send strangers home with the right book.