A Novel Idea Celebrates 35 Years in the Community with an Oz-Themed Party
Despite ongoing construction from Project “O” Street, A Novel Idea, a beloved local bookstore, commemorated 35 years of service with a festive celebration at Duffy’s Tavern.
Melissa Dokken, owner of the store, reflected on the challenging months during June and July when sales dipped, but noted a positive turnaround in August thanks to loyal customers. “We’re really grateful to all of our regulars and our irregulars,” she said, acknowledging patrons from outside Lincoln who visit whenever they’re in town.
To assist customers navigating the construction, Dokken and local business owners created helpful maps highlighting routes to the store, featuring the iconic character Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.”
The anniversary party embraced an Oz theme, featuring various activities such as a wicked witch ring toss, themed trivia, and goodie bags filled with brain, heart, and courage goodies, reminiscent of characters from the beloved film. A screening of “The Wiz,” complete with popcorn and cake, further enriched the event, enhanced by live music from The Bottle Tops.
A highlight was a nostalgic slideshow showcasing A Novel Idea’s history, bringing back memories of customers and their families through the years. “A lot of the kids in those photos have grown up and have kids,” Dokken remarked, cherishing the community ties formed over decades.
Lily Mack, an employee for three years, emphasized the unique experience of working at A Novel Idea, where customers return not just for books but to connect and share stories.
Manager Katherine Bergstrom expressed a desire for the bookstore to continue fostering community spirit. “We’re gonna continue with what we have… introduce people to what they might not know that they’re looking for,” she stated.
Looking forward, Dokken shared her enthusiasm for the future, affirming that a good bookstore enhances a person’s life. “A good book can keep you fascinated for a week; a good bookshop can keep you fascinated your entire life,” she concluded.
