The Nook is a charming, locally owned bookstore with a full-service bar for those bibliophiles who like a little refreshment or coffee while they shop. The store opened in 2019 and, thanks to some creativity and an outpouring from our generous community, we survived the Covid pandemic. We feature a wide variety of new and used books—new releases, best sellers, children’s books and more—and a selection of games, puzzles, and Nook apparel. The Nook offers comfy lounge seating, a chess table, and a child’s play area with toys, coloring pages, and puzzles.
The Nook is also the brick-and-mortar outlet for Imperium Publishing titles, many written by local and regional authors.
Weather permitting, enjoy a beverage while reading your favorite book on our large outdoor patio, or attend one of our lively social events through the summer season. The Nook is a gathering place for the community to relax, socialize, shop and read.
And if you can’t get enough discussion about books, join our Boozie Book Club. For meeting dates and more information, check our events pages.
About the Owners
Niki Manbeck
In the publishing industry for over ten years, Niki stepped into the book retail world with the launch of The Nook in October of 2019. She owns Imperium Publishing and is an avid reader. She loves thrillers with a romantic twist. Her favorite drink while reading is whiskey.
Through The Nook, Niki creates regular fundraisers that benefit the surrounding community as well as individual authors and their causes
Married seventeen years, Niki’s husband and two teenagers enjoy traveling the country. In 2019, they began a “Race to Fifty States” challenge, running 5k races in every state of the U.S. They hope to complete the challenge before their youngest graduate's high school.
A driven entrepreneur, Niki also owns the local newspaper—The Baldwin City Community News—and a sports bar—The Bullpen.
Kelly Holder
Kelly hasn't written a bio yet. Kelly is slow at writing bios.