The Book Corner

OVERVEIW

• The Spannuths started the Book Corner in 1964 and it has been a family owned business for four generations

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• They had a seperate store called the Book Nook that then closed

• James Spannuth started a magazine shop near the train tracks before starting the Book Nook and the Book Corner

• The building was built in 1888 and used to be the Monroe County State Bank 

HISTORY 

Originally, this building was a Monroe County State Bank and was built in 1888. But most of its history by now has been devoted to books. It became the home to the Book Corner, which back then was an extension of the Book Nook. However, the Book Nook closed a few years after starting the new store.

The Book Corner has been a family owned business since 1964 and was founded by James and Barbara Spannuth. Before the Book Corner was started, James was making due with a magazine shop he had started by the train tracks. While working there, he would deliver newspapers and magazines to other businesses across southern Indiana

He kept working in the magazine business until he started the Book Nook in 1949. They worked at the Book Nook for a few years until they started the Book Corner. 

For over four generations, they have kept this local bookstore alive and running. Until they passed the store down, James and Barbera Spannuth worked at the book store well into their 80’s until their daughter Margaret Taylor took over. Fun fact: Margaret started working at the cash register when she was seven, where she worked until she graduated high school. After high school, she moved away to Illinois to start a family. In the mid 90’s, she moved back to take over the beloved business, finding joy in working long hours, seven days a week to make sure customers were satisfied. Sadly, she passed in 2025, leaving the Book Corner to the next generation. 

ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Book Corner sells a multitude of items, including things like puzzles, stuffed animals, gift cards, and of course books. When it comes to books, however, they search for quality books instead of popular ones, listening to customers' interests instead of following national trends, and making sure local authors have the spotlight too. Book Corner’s values when it comes to running the store is making sure customers find what they need and connect with the community. One of the ways they do this is by restocking local schools and book clubs. And when the Book Corner is there for their customers, their customers are there for them. One day when an overnight fire broke out in the store, people came and helped clean up and restock the shelves. After being in Bloomington for decades, the Book Corner has become something of a cherished store. “I’m 73 and I’m here for my customers,” Margaret Spannuth Taylor said. When it comes to the community, the Book Corner is there.