The Book Vault: Evolution of a Painting
The Book Vault, acrylic on wood, 12” x 12”, 2024.
I have a love/love relationship with bookstores.
I have a love/hate relationship with painting them.
Nestled in an old bank building, the Book Vault encapsulates the typical ways-of-being in Oskaloosa, Iowa. This independent bookstore has an open-door-policy with Smokey Row, its next-door-neighbor coffee shop, with literally an open door between the two so that folks can wander in and out with books and coffee.
There are multiple book clubs that meet regularly at the Book Vault. The shop even has its own demonstration kitchen, and since it’s opening in 2005, it’s employed many, MANY Oskaloosa residents. Matter of fact, folks new to town have been known to work there just to meet people.
Julie Hansen, Emeritus Librarian at William Penn University, and Nancy Simpson co-developed the Book Vault from the (not literal) ashes of the former Johnson Abstract Building, using the vaults in the building to house different genres of books. Nearly everyone I spoke with about what was good in Osky mentioned the Book Vault by name.
Oskaloosa’s superpower is collaboration, and it’s genius lies in cultivating many third places in the community. The Book Vault is no different, co-hosting public puzzle tournaments at Penn Central Mall, pop-up shops at regional breweries, book signings, storytimes, yoga classes, and many, many book clubs.