Gazebo Books — Local services in Eureka Springs

This little bookstore consists of two rooms stuffed with a very eclectic selection of books. I loved the variety, and the fact that so many often underrepresented topics were featured; one area had books about the folklore and traditions of the Ozarks region, another had political and sociological works including feminist topics and other civil rights/rebellions discussions. One area consisted entirely of a mix of New Age books and ecological/Earth-oriented works. There was a large selection of books for kids of all ages, from read along books to some YA.

I think its important to consider that many (not all) of the people complaining about the NO PHONES rule are also the type to look up books they want online to save a few dollars over a local seller. The store is in business to make money, not be a showroom for books to be purchased later from the Amazon/Barnes&Noble/BAM market.

Yes, the fact that the store doesn't take card was a little inconvenient...but to be honest I give the lady credit for being crafty and waiting until my wife and I had spent the better part of an hour finding books we wanted before telling us. Had she told me before, I might have let that slight inconvenience sway me, and not have chosen anything...but after finding ones I wanted, the less than 5 minute walk to the ATM nearby to pull out cash was honestly no big deal at all. As a booklover and someone who likes to support small businesses when I can, I can't imagine making such a big deal of and/or making a negative review of a store over a very short walk to get cash, especially when most of us are there precisely to walk around town and shop all the various stores, and they'll hold items for you to grab on the way back down if you want.

All in all, my wife and I walked away with a very good impression after a nice chat with the lady running the store, a short walk for me to get cash while they talked, and a handful of books and a calendar for a bit less than $100. Will definitely return next time I find myself in...

This is the first time I have ever written an online review of a business, but felt compelled to do so after my recent experience with this store. It is validating to read the other negative reviews as I really felt angry and humiliated after my visit and it is at least nice to know I am not the only one. My family and I visit Eureka springs every year, and I have purchased books at this store in the past with no issues. However on our recent visit I went into the store with my two children, ages 3 and 8. My girls are very well behaved and calm (and in fact had been given a treat earlier in the day by the owner of an antique shop based on their good behavior in her store). Shortly after entering the shop, it became apparent that the owner was watching our every move, and when my youngest daughter picked up a greeting card to show me the picture on it, the owner came over and snatched it out of her hand, snapping "You really shouldn't touch these cards! They bend and damage easily!" We moved on to look at books and selected one to purchase. As I was flipping through the book we selected, my daughter picked up a hardcover children's book that was displayed on a shelf (a book for her age level, placed at her eye level) and two other hardcover books fell, striking her on her head and shoulder. Surprised my 3 year old picked up the books saying "I'm sorry" - just then the owner again rushed over, grabbed the books from her and in a loud voice said "You shouldn't be touching things! If you need help, you should ask HER (presumably me, her mother, whom the owner never addressed or spoke directly to). You shouldn't touch things in stores!" My daughter was shaken from being struck by the books and subsequently reprimanded by a stranger. Needless to say, we left without purchasing and will never return to this shop. Too bad, as we love to support local stores and my girls love books. I would suggest avoiding Gazebo Books in Eureka...

If you're just looking for another basic, boring, big box bookstore or Amazon clone just like all the others, maybe you should move on. This is one of the coolest, most authentic, and most purely intentioned bookstores I've ever been in. I walked in, and the owner (Virginia) and I immediately vibed and engaged in a long, fun, meaningful conversation about spiritual journeying/awakening, the ongoing consciousness shift taking place on our planet, some of our favorite philosophers and gurus, astrology, and more. We laughed and enjoyed each other and I felt right at home in the shop before I even had a chance to look around. To begin with, this shop has an extraordinary collection of calendars, a great assortment of Tarot cards, all kinds of great, cute gifts for the journeying traveler...but I was there really for the books, and I was really thrilled with what I found. The collection of books, along with everything else, in this shop has been carefully curated by the owners with the specific intention and goal in mind of OPENING PEOPLES' MINDS, and this is beautifully evident. The problem was, I had a massage scheduled, and I spent so much time chatting with Virginia, that I only had a few minutes to closely peruse the bookshelves like I wanted to. Even so, I was drawn to two titles pretty quickly that jumped right out at me (which turned out to be exactly the books I needed right now, of course). I am so grateful I got to meet and chat with Virginia and spend some time in this awesome shop. Wish there were more out there like this, and more people awakened enough to appreciate it for what it is, but we will get there! Peace and...