Just a 15 minute drive away from Hamline, there is a bookstore that has quickly become an oasis for many. Inkwell Booksellers is a local book shop that opened at the end of February and is already bustling with customers. With multiple popular titles and a small cafe tucked inside, it is no surprise the shop has blossomed so quickly.
The atmosphere is calm and perfect for studying. It is relatively quiet, with soft music playing in the background and the staff keeping their conversations low, adding to the peaceful vibe. There are a couple of seating options where you can set up your laptop and comfortably work for hours. They even have a small lounge area that is great for getting cozy with a book. While seating is limited, it is still an excellent place to focus and get some homework done.
Inkwell Booksellers is not only a space for studying, but it is also good for small groups or to hang out. It is not a loud or busy coffee shop and feels more like a cross between a library and a cozy living room — especially with their rolling ladder that just gives it that true bookshop feeling.
For those wondering about Wi-Fi, yes, they have it. It is free and there is no time limit on how long you can use it, which is definitely a bonus if you are coming from campus and just want a change of scenery. They have small placards around the shop that have the Wi-Fi name and the password, so no need to worry about asking an employee if that is too overwhelming for you.
The books are priced at market prices, similar to what big chain bookstores like Barnes & Noble charge. However, their website does offer slightly cheaper prices on most titles, which can make a difference for students on a budget. Also, every purchase on their website goes to other local bookstores and helps support them in local communities. They carry popular and trending books, but also feature lesser-known titles and a whole section dedicated to Minnesota-based authors, allowing readers to discover local voices and stories.
One of the most popular sections is the classics. Right as you walk in, you are greeted by a display of banned books, many of which are literary classics. One of the employees shared that customers are often surprised to learn these books they read in high school are on the banned list, making them want to read them again. Because of that curiosity, their classic section has become one of the store's top sellers, even though the section is not very large.
“Inkwell Booksellers is a lifetime in the making, but for me, ​​the dream of a lifetime … Where sitting (as a group or alone) with a coffee, and devouring a book is de rigueur. In short, I am creating my dream space knowing that many of you share a similar dream,” owner and founder, Elizabeth Foster, wrote on Inkwell Bookseller’s website.
The bookstore itself was born out of a dream and that sense of love and care for the space is obvious. Everything from the layout to the book selection and the cafe feels intentional and community centered.
And yes, they serve coffee. The cafe has a smaller menu, but that just means they keep things simple and well made. When I went, I ordered an 11-ounce latte with caramel syrup and a “pain au chocolat” (a chocolate croissant). The total came to around $12, which is comparable to other local coffee spots around the Twin Cities.
For students used to paying for Starbucks on campus, the 11-ounce size is comparable to a Starbucks’ tall, while Inkwell’s 16-ounce size is comparable to a Starbucks grande, with Inkwell’s only having a dollar difference between the two sizes. So if you are comparing prices, they are relatively similar, but I would say Inkwell’s is better quality and is worth the money.
“I love going to independent bookstores and this area of the city has been needing one desperately. The store itself is so cute and fun to walk around. The cafe inside invites you to stay a while. It's small, so the actual number of books is limited, but there is a great selection for the size,” one Yelp reviewer wrote.
Also, they are pet friendly. They have a furry employee named Captain Jack who likes to walk around the store asking for pets and looking to clean up your food once you are done with it. Though do not be fooled by the cute puppy dog eyes, he is working and is not allowed to eat while on shift. But you can also bring in your furry friend while shopping or enjoying a drink to include them in your plans.
If you are interested in visiting and seeing if this is a good spot for you, you can find them at 426 E Hennepin Ave in Minneapolis. There is plenty of street parking nearby, so no need to worry about finding a spot.
Whether you are looking for a quiet place to study, a new book to get lost in or just a break from your usual routine, Inkwell Booksellers is the perfect place. It is small, cozy and built with intention, exactly the kind of spot students will want to return to.