Maple Street… one of my favorite places in the world! Nothing too fancy, just a street in uptown New Orleans cluttered with coffee shops, cafes, boutiques, and best of all: the Maple Street Bookshops. These two bookstores (The Maple Street Bookshop & The Maple Street Children’s Bookshop) have been around since 1965. They are, without a doubt, the best place to find children’s books with a New Orleans or cajun theme.
Opened in 1965 by sisters Mary Kellogg and Rhonda Norman, the Maple Street Bookshop boasted of “five rooms full of paperbacks”… something New Orleans was lacking in that time.
Next door to the original Maple Street Bookshop sits a cheery pink cottage with a swing out front. Inside is the Maple Street Children’s Bookshop, a house full of books for children and babies as well as teachers and parents. Each Saturday storytime draws many locals and visitors to the store.
One of the best things about the Maple Street Bookshops (aside from the quirky, homey feel) is the wonderful staff. They really will treat you like a member of the family. They will special order anything… provided it actually exists! Maple Street Bookshop is located at 7523 Maple Street. If you are in the area, be sure to stop by and visit the Maple Street Bookshop for a wonderful experience. While you’re there, be sure to ask WHY the door handle is in the middle!
