Linh Ta

lta@dmreg.com

Ankeny has lured a growing number of high-profile retailers in recent years. Names like Duluth Trading Company, Sam's Club and Mills Fleet Farm.

But one thing the growing suburb has been missing is an independent bookstore.

That will change Monday when Plot Twist Bookstore opens at 502 N. Ankeny Blvd.

Owner Mary Rork-Watson said the shop will offer a mix of mainstream best-sellers and independently published books.

"You're going to walk in and say, 'Good, you got that, It’s here,'" Rork-Watson said. "But then I hope you’ll walk around the corner and go 'Huh. I didn’t know about this.' I hope I’m going to present some surprises."

The 1,400-square-foot store has about 4,000 books on display, along with space for reading or community gatherings.

There are little chairs and colorful gnomes for children's story time. A young adult area has a table where teens can sample books and socialize with friends.

Rork-Watson, 53, of Altoona, said she wanted a space where people could hang out or host book clubs and poetry readings.

“You can come into this space and nothing is expected of you other than to hang out and relax and be a part of it,” she said. “It’s my goal to be a part of the community, to give back, to be involved, to bring in interesting people and local authors.”

Rork-Watson grew up in Elkhart and earned an English degree from Drake University. She previously worked at the Ankeny Art Center and for two years owned MRW Studio was in Pleasant Hill, where she taught classes.

Last fall, after visiting a local bookstore in Denver, she began planning the concept for Plot Twist Bookstore. She has been leasing space at Kimberly Plaza since December.

Rork-Watson said she chose Ankeny because of its community focus and support of the arts.

"There were already those little pieces," she said. "The one piece that was missing was a bookstore."

What makes Plot Twist unique to other stores or buying online is the personal experience, Rork-Watson said.

“I’m not going to make weird recommendations based off your last purchase. I’m going to make an informed decision based off what you purchased or told me,” she said. “It’s people, not algorithms.”

Plot Twist Bookstore will hold a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 30 to coincide with Independent Bookstore Day. It will include local authors, storytelling sessions, food and refreshments.