I’ve decided to start yet another new segment here on MBIP called: "MBIP Looks @ Books." I’ve always loved books so I thought I’d start a new series about independent and local businesses that sell books. I thought I’d kick off this series with Peoria’s newest book store that has just opened in the Sunbeam Building on Sheridan just off Main Street. It’s called Lit. On Fire Used Books. Let’s turn the page on this new series and head on over to Lit. On Fire Used Books!
It’s a gray, drizzly day as we point the MBIP Mobile towards Main Street. Those three red lights are mocking me as I sit transfixed staring at them. But I had the last laugh as I psychically willed them to turn green and sped past them laughing at their temporary existence. Then I thought of how they actually mirrored our own feeble and fleeting time on this planet earth and once again made a mental note to try to stop thinking so much about everything. These mental notes usually go unchecked, so let’s just continue on this journey. Sheesh!
Okay, we’ve parked and here we are on Sheridan Road, just down from Main Street. I love these West Main Street Markers that adorn the street lamps in this area. Let’s forge ahead to...
The Sunbeam Building, where Lit. On Fire has just moved in. The front door is open, so let’s keep moving in a forward-like fashion.
This is the front hallway of the building which houses art studios, galleries and fun independent shops.
Lit. on Fire is just around the corner over here. There is another way to enter and that’s done by parking in the public lot next to The Costume Trunk, then cross the alley into the entrance with the Excel sign above it by the loading dock. But we’ve come this way, so let’s just keep shuffling along our merry little way.
There it is, Lit. on Fire Used Books. Love the store front, let’s go take a closer look at that front window...
It’s Jessica, the owner of Lit. on Fire, checking books in and she’s totally absorbed in her work and has no idea that the MBIP camera is pulling an Allen funny Funt moment on her. Smile Jessica, you’re on MBIP Candid Camera! Let’s go in and take a look around.
Wow, this is such a cool space! I love the colorful bookshelves and all the art on the walls and bookshelves. It looks like a funky shop from the East Village in New York. But it’s in Peoria, so that makes it even better!
And here’s Jessica again. She’s holding four copies of two books I’ve written and my friend Joe designed and published. The books are 99 Beers Off The Wall and The Boy Who Would Be A Fire Truck. Both are in negotiations to become a major motion picture sometime soon in my imagination. And here’s a special deal for all of you MBIP readers! Jessica is going to place all four copies on the bookshelves in the store and if you come in and find one, you can have it for free! Just take it off the shelf and it’s yours! Only one copy per customer and we highly suggest you make a purchase too, so you don’t look like a total skinfllnt (God, how I love the word, “skinflint!”) The four books are on the shelves right now and the store is open from noon to five today, so stop on by and pick up one of these books before someone else beats you to the punch!
Jessica’s placing one of the books on this shelf, so this is a little clue for all of you who are planning on doing some MBIP book hunting today at LIt. on Fire!
I wanted to get an aerial view of the shop, so I climbed up on the desk to try and get the shot. I hope you appreciate this effort, I had to stand on my tippy-toes and I’m really phobic about heights, so this was a bit of a challenge. Oh the things I do for you MBIP readers!
While I was up there I figured I might as well take another shot that showcases the mural on the back wall, designed and painted by local artist, Daz Cox. Very cool, let’s take a closer look at it.
Daz referred to this mural as, “magical art,” on his facecrack page and I agree, it’s beautiful!
Hey, is that Drinky Crow’s sober cousin?
Wonderful artwork, Daz!
Here's the kiddie/teen section, complete with a comfortable furry throw rug and bean bag critters to sit on while checking out books as Mom and Dad peruse the taller shelves.
This section features some fun and rare pop culture books.
MBIP name dropping alert! I once met Paul Morrissey who directed and cast all of Andy Warhol’s films and he discovered the Velvet Underground and put them together with Andy Warhol. He’s the uncle of a friend of mine’s wife and it’s a long story I’ll write about later (maybe in an upcoming book I’m working on, stay tuned for that) but basically I met him, showed him a copy of my magazine fishwrap and he looked at it for a few minutes, then threw it back at me and screamed, “This is HORRIBLE!” Ha ha ha! That was the best review of that magazine I ever got!
Check out this ultra-rare copy of “Catch A Wave,” a book about The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson’s troubled life.
Here’s a copy of “My Adventure’s With Booger and Skinny” by local legend, Royce Elliott.
This is probably the only bookstore in town that has this book about legendary punk band The Slits. Very cool!
Here’s a pounding book by Police drummer, Stewart Copeland, I’d say we need to insert this in here right here, right now!
We now pause for this Spandau Ballet musical moment in time.
In addition to the four free books available for the hunting, you can also have a free, freshly printed Lit. on Fire business card!
More books are being unpacked every day, so stop back often to find new treasures!
Jessica was getting ready to hang this vintage lamp, so it should be shining on like a crazy diamond today!
Oh and look, here’s another clue for you all! And yes, the Walrus was indeed Paul.
Just like Zorro, MBIP leaves its mark and our day is done! Thanks to Jessica for a fun tour of Lit. on Fire and be sure to stop by and hunt down one of the free MBIP books before other people scoop them up! We’ll see you all tomorrow!
Lit. On Fire Used Books
929 N Sheridan Rd. — Suite #1A
(In The Sunbeam Building)
Peoria
309-634-5383
Hours: Tuesday - Friday: Noon to 5PM; Saturday: 11AM to 5PM and Lit. is open till 9PM every First Friday.
Related post: Browsing Time At Waxwing Books.
Dear sir or madam, would you read my book?
It took me years to write, will you take a look?
Surprise link, click on it...I dare you!
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The Third Annual Sunbeam Vintage Market!
While we’re on the subject of The Sunbeam Building, don’t forget that this Saturday is the Third Annual Sunbeam Vintage Market. There’s bands, food, (including Nacho Mama's Food Truck!) vendors and I’ll be there with the roving MBIP camera, so you’ve been forewarned! Check out all the details here. Hope to sneeze you there!