Writer / Matt Keating
Photography Provided
Amanda Hochstetler’s love of reading led her to open a business that would enable her to be surrounded by books.
Hochstetler, co-owner of Little Nook Bookstore, says she was glad she made the decision.
“We opened in 2004, and we have been able to get customers by offering books they are very interested in reading,” she says. “I co-own the business with my husband, Aden. It’s been a lot of fun to have this business. The main reason I started this bookstore is that I love to read, and I have been able to share that love of reading with other people. I also like to talk to them about books.”
Hochstetler notes that the books at Little Nook Bookstore appeal to a wide audience.
“We have books for all ages to love,” she says. “We have a lot of true stories, Bibles and devotional books that people have really seemed to enjoy.”
Hochstetler also likes the fact that parents feel good and comfortable about sending their kids to Little Nook Bookstore.
“Kids can come here and pick out a nice, wholesome book to read, and their parents don’t have to worry about them,” she says. “That makes me feel great. We have books for preschoolers, grade-school children, and older kids.”
Little Nook Bookstore also features a variety of books for adults to enjoy.
“We have a nice selection of books to choose from, and I have received a lot of compliments from happy customers,” she says. “I also enjoy giving out book recommendations.”
Hochstetler says Little Nook Bookstore originally started in her home. “We eventually moved to another building very close to our house,” she says. “We use most of that building for Little Nook Bookstore. It was great to be able to expand the business.”
Hochstetler notes that Little Nook Bookstore features other products besides books.
“We have some wonderful greeting cards and gifts,” she says. “We also have games and puzzles, clocks, toys, and school supplies. We have some very nice bookmarks, as well as wonderful stationary and a variety of journals. We have some really nice, high-quality, handmade purses and handbags that really look wonderful. They are from Pennsylvania.”
Hochstetler says she treasures and appreciates all her customers.
“We have some customers that bring in the whole family to find something to read,” she says. “I enjoy talking to them about books, and finding out what books we have coming in that they might be interested in reading. I like helping people pick out their books and their next great reads.”
Hochstetler notes that the cold winter months are always a great time for readers.
“It’s always nice to cozy up with a great book,” she says. “I think a lot of people tend to read more in November, December, January and February. We remain busy after Christmas, and that’s been encouraging. Things tend to slow down in March, but we still have our steady, loyal customers. We also aren’t always as busy in the summer, but that’s alright because we have more things going on at home.”
Hochstetler loves reading books from different genres.
“I love any book I can get my hands on,” she says. “Reading is such a joy. I enjoy reading my kids’ books.”
To get your next great book for a cozy night of reading, visit Little Nook Bookstore at 13871 North 1050 West in Nappanee. For more information, call 574-773-2107.
