Picture this: It’s a warm sunny day with a blue sky in a somewhat quiet town. You just completed a few big errands and would like to have a little break in a cozy hideaway. You walk into a nice-looking bookstore to discover seemingly endless bookcases packed with interesting reads. Then you are happily greeted by a friendly cat! This was the beginning of my experience visiting Bad Rock Books.
A Cozy Homey Haven for Book Lovers
As you continue to peruse the shop, it seems as though you have stepped into someone’s home. The atmosphere is quiet and comfortable. The people here extend a warm and genuine welcome. Delightful home decor pieces scattered throughout enhance the shop’s cozy ambiance. One cannot forget the sign hanging from the door that reads, “Don’t let the cat out no matter what he says!”
Just as you think you have scanned all of the books, there’s more! When you walk past the cashier’s desk, through a decorative hallway, a whole other store seems to appear. There are rooms upon rooms of books. Books stuffed into large bookshelves. Literature is placed on top of the bookshelves. Publications are casually stacked on the floor and furniture.
There’s a charmingly disorganized look. It is a book lover’s journey similar to one that I enjoyed when visiting Blacktail Mountain Books in Kalispell.
Cute, Cuddly Cats!
Don’t forget! As you journey through the bookstore, several cats might chat with you to welcome you to their homey haven. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a cat café, you’ll love visiting Bad Rock Books even more.
I was squatting down to look at some books, and out of nowhere came this adorable gray cat. He leaps onto my arm and insists on being held. While purring loudly, he crawls up further, resting between the side of my purse and placing his head against my chest. It was the cutest thing! I continued to search for books while holding this little guy. It made my experience all that much better. Besides, every time I tried to put this little guy down, he would whimper a bit and reach up to climb me again.
This cat, and the few others, make one’s experience visiting Bad Rock Books unique, memorable, and even more captivating! I wish I had a photo of this little guy helping me search for books. It just gives me an excuse to visit again soon!
Immersive Variety of Literature
Bad Rock Books offers an endless world of reading possibilities for everyone, no matter your age or interest. This bookstore satisfies any literary craving. There’s something for you if you’re drawn to magic in fairytales or the personal insight in autobiographies. From romance novels that sweep you off your feet to the intricate worlds of science fiction, the shelves brim with tales that captivate both heart and mind.
Beyond the familiar genres, you’ll find aisles stocked with rich political science, history, and geography selections. Some works explore music and art. Books on famous musicians, artists, and cultural icons sit alongside historical accounts of the world. Readers have a chance to explore a variety of literary avenues.
The quest to uncover hidden treasures from this expansive selection can take hours. You can wander through aisles, reaching for volumes stacked on bookshelves or tucked away in cozy corners. Each visit promises a discovery, inviting you to explore its literary labyrinth. Everything is affordably priced and of great quality.
Caring People, Inviting Atmosphere
At Bad Rock Books, the sense of community is palpable, thanks in part to the store’s deep roots in the town.
A few years ago, when water damage threatened the shop. This, of course, came after the covid-19 mandatory lockdown, which had forced Ritter to close the store for ten weeks. The townspeople rallied together, raising over $14,000 to help Cindy Ritter repair the damage. This act of collective support reflects the store’s integral role in the community and the strong bonds it has fostered over the years.
The warmth you feel when you visit is not just a friendly gesture but a manifestation of this hometown’s empathy. Many locals have been coming to Bad Rock Books since they were children. The store has become a cherished part of their lives. The staff’s genuine friendliness and the shop’s welcoming atmosphere are a testament to the enduring connection between Bad Rock Books and its community.
Next Adventure
Whether you’ve lived in the Flathead Valley all your life or are just visiting, you need to stop by Bad Rock Books. If you’re enjoying touring Glacier National Park, make a quick trip! Especially if you love books and have ever wanted to visit a cat café! Bad Rock Books is located at 615 Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls.
In addition to great bookstores, the Flathead Valley has many more geographical explorations and community activities to enjoy. I plan to explore the Flathead Waterfowl Production Area. I am looking to share some historical insight into Kalispell’s ImagineIf Library and the Hockaday Museum of Art.