On our way back to Sand Springs after our Roaring River trip got cut short by a flooded campsite, we took our time crossing Northwest Arkansas and spent part of an afternoon wandering downtown Rogers. That’s how we stumbled onto Underbrush Books, and I never pass up an opportunity to visit a new bookstore. Our family is big into books, and it’s actually a dream of mine to own a bookstore someday.
Underbrush has a great story. It started as a community book club back in March 2020 and grew from there into a full independent bookstore, and that book-club spirit still runs through the whole place. The staff hosts a rotating lineup of book clubs every month across all kinds of genres and topics.
A Bookstore That Invites You to Linger
Underbrush carries a mostly new stock with only one bookcase of used copies. It’s not the largest bookstore, but it makes good use of its space with lots of string lights, display tables, and a pleasant ambiance that invites you in to stay for a while.
There are two small seating places including a kids’ reading nook with a carpeted play section filled with toys that my son Jordan had a blast with. Until I had my own kid, I never realized just how rare it is to find a kid-friendly business. Finding places like this, that take inclusion for kids seriously, is always a pleasant surprise that is much appreciated.
Staffed by People Who Actually Read
One thing that struck me was the number of signs they hung beneath the books with recommendations based on similar books, staff recommendations, themes, and more to help you find your next favorite read. It’s clearly a store staffed by real, passionate readers.
That’s the difference between a bookstore and a book warehouse. Anybody can stock shelves alphabetically and call it a day. Taking the time to write up handwritten notes that say “if you liked this, try this” is the work of people who genuinely want to put the right book in your hands.
They also had a very impressive display of books, many of which were autographed, by local authors. As I said before, I dream of owning my own bookstore someday and the ability to feature local writers is a big reason why. The vast majority of book sales these days are familiar titles from famous authors and it’s getting harder than ever to break into that industry. Seeing independent shops support independent authors is wonderful.
Stop In If You Love Books
Underbrush Books is an easy addition to any downtown Rogers afternoon, especially if you’re already wandering the shops and restaurants along Walnut Street. Bring the kids, let them loose in the reading nook, and give yourself permission to linger over the staff picks. We left with a happy toddler and one more reason to root for the independent bookstores keeping downtowns like this one alive.
