Goosefeather Books Open On Hill Avenue

 At the heart of a newly-opened bookstore in downtown Spirit Lake is a little girl’s dream. Lucy Goosey imagined a world of travel and adventure, pouring out from the pages on her lap. It was a love-hate relationship because reading was hard but her vivid imagination always came alive when she tried. Lucy Goosey was Lucille Lolis’ nickname growing up and the spirit behind the opening of Goose Feather Books in late August at 1508 Hill Ave. Lucy’s passion for books and love of people is making the bookstore a must-stop for people of all ages.

This cozy independent bookstore offers a wide variety of genres, local authors, gifts and events; the opening a dream come true for the young entrepreneur. Originally from New Jersey and a recent marketing graduate from Iowa State University, Lucy originally thought she’d look for a marketing job in New York City.

“That is until I saw this space and I got so excited and said, ‘Mom, this is a bookstore!’” Lucy remembered. “Two years ago, there was no way I was going to live here but this opportunity fell into my lap, and I’m so excited to share my love of books with others.”

In June 2025, Lucy’s mother Gretchen Hinn Lolis and her aunt Angie Hinn Schaub opened Okoboji Pool Company’s storefront at the back of the building, making the front available for Lucy’s dream. Lucy’s cousin Vito Boyok of Boyok Builds renovated the 1920 church, completing changing the inside as well as the roof line and installed new Anderson windows. In the past, the building was not only a church but also a tanning salon and a Christian Bookstore. Bob Shaw purchased it in the 1980s and added space to the west, while Dawn’s Dance Connection held dance classes there in the 1990s.

“I’m so thankful for my family’s support as they have been amazing,” Lucy shared. “I have so much gratitude for them and I’m excited to carry on the entrepreneur spirit of both sides of my family. From my grandma and my mom and aunt to my grandparents on my dad’s side, who immigrated to the United States from Greece and opened a diner in Harlem, it’s a part of who I am.”

Learning to Read

One reason Lucy has a passion for reading is because it wasn’t always easy. Reading was hard and she struggled.

“I had a reading disability and wasn’t very good at reading at all, but still loved books. There are days where it was hard and you didn’t want to try but I also knew there was a whole other world out there,” she explained. “I told myself that I needed to learn how to read and read well.”

Reading really became a crazy passion of hers while in college. Through the Booktok community on TikTok, Lucy became interested in a wide variety of genres and participated in numerous book clubs at her sorority. She also loved reading about other cultures and how you feel connected to a new place when immersed in a good book.

“With my Greek heritage, I’ve spent considerable time studying about Greece and always love traveling,” she said. “When you open up a book, it’s like you are traveling to that place or culture and learn so much more.”

Opening a Bookstore 

Once the dream of a bookstore became reality, Lucy spent considerable time researching and discovered there’s an increased interest in books at a national level. “Books you can

 hold!” she added. “Books are totally coming back!”

Goose Feather Books has a book for everyone, from young

adult and romance to fantasy and memoirs. “There is a mixtureof everything,” Lucy said. “I had so much fun picking out books and I’m excited to see which authors people really like. Personally, I’m really excited about a Japanese writer who wrote an exciting thriller; I also really enjoy fantasy and romance titles.”

Prior to opening week, Lucy hand-selected 830 different books for the store, and on opening day, there were 2,100 books on the shelves. After one week, she had to reorder because she had sold out of numerous titles.

A cousin who is a librarian in South Dakota drove to Spirit Lakethe week the pallets of books arrived, providing immense help and helped organize books according to the Dewey Decimal System. Another cousin helped her decorate, especially the numerous books displayed on the walls and ceiling.

When looking for the perfect Christmas gift, Lucy also offers gifts for everyone on your list.

“From the puzzle wall, to cards and paper products, as well as vases and games, we have something for everyone, even if

 they don’t like to read,” she added.

Watch for 25 Days of Christmas specials on social media, as well as Elf on the Shelf. Customers won’t want to miss out on

 “Blind Date,” where people receive an unknown book complete with stickers, annotated tabs and highlighters wrapped up in wrapping paper.

 

Giggly Goose Studio

Lucy has further plans for the building, as another passion of hers is crafting. She wants to turn the upstairs into Giggly Goose Studio, which can be used for art, birthday parties, book clubs, etc.

“I want it to be a hobby farm, a commercial space where a florist can teach flower arranging, wine tastings from local wineries, or we can sit and talk about a good book,” Lucy shared. “I’m excited for what Goose Feather Books is going to offer to our community.”