The Bighearted Bookstore: A Novel Idea Turns 25

Story by Doug Staggs

A pillar of Lincoln’s literature community since 1991, A Novel Idea has been the go-to store for book lovers of all kinds.

Located one block north of 14th & O streets, nestled between Tsuru and Gomez Art Supply, the shop is a haven for every kind of reader.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of A Novel Idea, and like any other relationship of that length, the store’s connection with the Lincoln community has been as enriching as it has been enlightening. Owner Cinnamon Dokken and her staff have always stuck to the beliefs that motivate them every day the store is open: provide guidance to readers to help them find the texts they are searching for (even if they themselves don’t know it), reinvest in social capital, maintain a spirit of philanthropy; and carry only books of merit (no matter their genre).

A Novel Idea started in the basement of the old Bargain Bin building near downtown Lincoln. With a small number of books and shelves made from wood reclaimed from fraternities at the University of Nerbaska-Lincoln, A Novel Idea was born.

When the store opened, Dokken was a senior at the university and a full-time tutor. Beginning her college career with a focus on biology, she had no aspirations to live the life of a book baron. But over time, her love of reading led her away from the hard sciences down a path that would eventually lead to A Novel Idea.

The opportunity for relocation emerged after being open for only a year. The storefront of the old University Flora flower shop had become available, and the location and possible foot traffic made it impossible to pass up. Yet again, she and her father set about building the shelves that would hold her first inventory at the new location. In 1994, with the enduring help of Katherine Bergstrom starting in and a cat named Silas, A Novel Idea became a Lincoln institution.

A Novel Idea sponsors a variety of charitable activities and hosts an array of different events aimed at encouraging reading and helping those less fortunate get access to books. Some of the organizations they assist include the Little Free Library, Stage RIGHT (Lincoln High’s Theater Group), Santa Cop, and many others.

“I live, work and raise a family in this community and I think our community is at its best when everyone has opportunity to succeed and contribute their time, talents or other resources,” Dokken said.

Along with their sponsorships, they put on events in their store like the extremely popular “Books & Bottles” monthly events, a voter registration support drive that rewards citizens for voting by offering a discount the day before and after voting day, and a recurring Cookie Day, as chosen by customers.

“We use our advertising budget to fund community radio, local theaters and PFLAG, Dokken said. “We donate numerous gift baskets for raffles/silent auctions to all kinds of organizations – Lancaster County Democrats, Lincoln Pride, Lincoln Community Playhouse, Slam Poetry, and many others.

“Highlighting the positive things happening in our community gives people some much needed good news,” she said. “I think it helps them to have a better day, which in turn, helps them to have a positive effect on others.”

Dokken has even raised money for local animal shelters. When Silas the cat passed away, there was an outpouring of support for the folks at A Novel Idea from Lincoln and around the globe. People were offering suggestions for a replacement for Silas, money and some were willing to send them cats. They eventually decided they would adopt from a shelter here in town, but were not able to decide on which so they left it up to their customers to decide for them. Two jars were set out to collect donations for either the Capital Humane Society or the Lincoln Cat House. By the end of the drive, the store’s customers had raised $1500 for the Humane Society, and $3100 for The Cat House, where they would adopt their next friends, Padric and Eddy.

When not spending time with her husband and two children, Dokken makes time to spread literacy to the masses on KZUM. On “That’s What She Wrote,” her monthly segment on Deb Andersen’s “The Wimmin’s Show,” Dokken and her guest discuss women in writing (Listen here). The program focuses on female authors and brings various guests into the studio to discuss their books, and those of other female authors. Although in its infancy, the show is building momentum and is growing into a popular program on KZUM.

With the bookstore sustaining nicely, charitable events going well, and a growing radio program, it would be tempting to take it easy. This is not the case for Dokken and A Novel Idea. In looking to the future, there are always plans for more. More books, more work in the community, more people that can benefit from her knowledge and experience, and more fun to have. Everything that they do at the store is done from a place of love.

Novel Idea will continue to bring the love of reading to everyone, and be available with the books to maintain that love. Dokken and her staff feel it is their responsibility to help people feel more fulfilled in their own lives through books, and they take this responsibility seriously.

“All in all, this business is a way to spend my energy in attempt to make the world a better place,” she said.

Doug Staggs is one of KZUM’s tireless fall interns.