Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Vogl.
Hi Ann, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my career as an accountant for 10 years, then went back to school to get my master’s degree and become a librarian. I spent 17 years as a librarian at two different universities. I’ve loved learning and being around books my whole life. Thus five years ago when Susan Thurin the bookstore owner in Menomonie was selling the bookstore in town, I went to talk to her. But financially I didn’t think I could make a go of it. Many people had ideas and wanted to buy it so I figured it would sell.
When it didn’t, I mulled it over and came up with names for the store, events I could have, and decorating ideas.
Then I saw she was selling again so I got serious and decided I would give running a business a go. I talked to many other bookstore owners, took a class, and learned as much as I could. But I was going to change the name and make it my own. Thus, I bought the inventory and fixtures; moved it to a smaller space and Dragon Tale Books came to fruition.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There were challenges. Purchase and rent negotiations went in a different direction than expected. The current store owner didn’t have a lease and there was a new building owner so that extra negotiation and expense threw me for a loop.
I ended up in a space half the size, so some of the fun things I wanted to do in the space had to be eliminated. But people have said they love how it feels to be in the store, so things turned out in the end.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Dragon Tale Books?
Dragon Tale Books is a local, independent bookstore in small-town Menomonie, Wisconsin. Our community has had a bookstore for 20-plus years, and I plan to continue this tradition for years to come.
Dragon Tale Books’ mission is to serve lifelong readers, support local creatives, provide community learning opportunities, and make the world a better place by being inclusive and respectful of the world around us in our book selections and events, all within an engaging and whimsical environment.
I carry a mix of new and used books in a broad array of topics and genres. I’m working to increase the fantasy, science fiction, and graphic novel sections in the store. There is a large children’s collection and area with tables and chairs to hold, readings, presentations, and workshops. And I did save a wall to have art exhibits and feature local artists. Supporting local creatives and having dragon tale talks to continue learning, is a big part of what will make the store unique.
I am proud of the friendly service, new name, and fun, inviting space, which will keep bringing people to the store.
And hopefully, the huge dragon tail will continue to surprise and delight customers as they stop in to shop.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned a lot from this process. Fear and doubt can be debilitating and stop you from moving forward. Having positive, supportive friends and family can make a big difference. And one needs to grow a thick skin because there will be naysayers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dragontalebooks.store/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragontalebooks/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragontalebooks/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/dragontalebooks/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dragontalebooks6186
