Simplified: Awaken Wild Books opened last weekend to a very warm welcome from the Sioux Falls community. Here's what you need to know about the city's new independent book store, and how owner Danielle Stelpflug is looking to build a community of her own.
Why it matters
- Stelpflug said she wants Awaken Wild Books to be more than just a place to buy books. She's hoping people see the new 8th and Railroad shop as a place to cozy up with a friend, grab a cup of tea, host a gathering, support local authors and simply be a source of community.
- Stelpflug, who moved to Sioux Falls only a few years ago after spending most of her career farming her family's land in Wisconsin, said she chose this city because she was looking for a place where she could build community – especially after spending much of her life in rural areas.
- And that community has shown up quickly. Stelpflug said she she anticipated maybe 300 people would come to her opening weekend. More than 1,500 showed up, and bought up so much of her inventory that she had to restock in the first week.
"I have never felt anything quite like this," she said. "I'm really happy I took a risk on this dream."
Tell me more
Awaken Wild Books has a curated collection of both fiction and nonfiction, as well as a section for kids.
- Stelpflug said she's done quite a bit of research to decide which books to sell, as well as including her own favorites. And she and her partner's five kids have helped round out the selections for young readers.
There's also intentional open spaces.
"I could’ve stacked the place full of bookshelves but we really wanted it to be more than that," Stelpflug said.
In addition to the kids' book area, there's a small desk for kids to color their own book review sheets and make recommendations, which will then hang in the shop window.
The store also has an area for reading and sipping tea – fully equipped with cozy couches and a fireplace.
And there's a table for book clubs or other community gatherings. Stelpflug said she expects to keep Friday nights set aside for those type of events.
Additionally, she's hoping to fill out her "local authors" section in the coming weeks with books written by local and regional authors.
What to know before you go
You can find the latest hours, events and information by following Awaken Wild Books on Instagram or Facebook.
The business is located in the former Juniper Apothecary space at 8th and Railroad downtown next to Remedy Brewing Co.
Oh, and if you, like me, are curious, Stelpflug said her current reads are "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid and "The Arrogant Ape" by Christine Webb.
