Interabang Books
One gem in the heart of Dallas is Interabang Books, an independent bookstore known for its knowledgeable staff and diverse selection of books, e-books, and audiobooks. The small but dedicated team of book enthusiasts love their jobs and are always ready to read a new book and share their recommendations with customers. The bookstore's name comes from a unique symbol that combines a question mark (interrogative) and an exclamation point (a bang, in typesetting lingo). Essentially, the symbol unites the search for knowledge with the excitement of discovery, something Interabang Books takes to heart.
The shop's location is its second home – in October of 2019, a devastating tornado swept through the Dallas area and destroyed the original bookstore. Now, Interabang Books is located on the south side Pavilion of Lovers Lane, just west of the Dallas North Tollway and Love Field Airport. Even though the original location is no more, the shop's spirit and purpose still remain. Interabang Books is a place where you feel welcome. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful, and the store is well-lit and full of vibrant colors. It's a place where you can walk in and want to stay for a while.
In addition to its welcoming and lively atmosphere, Interabang Books offers various services for its patrons. Speakers and authors with current titles for sale can hire a bookseller to help promote their work. The staff will also help set up book fairs and other literature-themed events at schools and organizations. If you are part of a book club and require book recommendations and/or discussion suggestions, the adult book buyer on staff can provide book club concierge services.
Even though I live in the Dallas area, it's a bit of a drive to get to Interabang Books from where I live, but well worth it. It was delightful to walk around the displays and shelves, taking note of books that caught my eye. There were the familiar titles of new releases and popular classics scattered about; there were quite a few that I'd never seen before. I also chatted with one of the booksellers and got some wonderful recommendations as I checked out. I left the store with my purchase and list of titles in hand, already wondering when I would next step foot inside this cute little shop. Nevertheless, I'm glad I made the trip as this is a bookstore I see myself coming back to in the future.