Inside the Thrifty Peanut Book and Media Warehouse, there are books, books, books and more books ... as far as the eye can see. Every nook and cranny of the twostory building in south Shreveport is filled to overflowing with books of every size and shape, old and new, from every imaginable genre. If there’s a book that you’re looking for, odds are you’ll find it. That’s something that Jeanne Conway is very proud of. She has created a place for people to come and find lost treasures, rekindle old memories and discover new worlds.

Her business, The Thrifty Peanut Book and Media Warehouse, currently housed in the former Wright’s Sound Gallery location on Youree Drive, has been in business over a decade; evolving from an at-home side-business to an actual brick-and-mortar store on Shed Road in Bossier. Her shop was in the back of an industrial warehouse, out of the way, but still a mecca for booklovers. From there, Jeanne and her staff evolved into a bigger location on Benton Road, where they remained for five and a half years. While the shop was open in Bossier City, Jeanne opened a new location on Youree Drive, near Bert Kouns, as well as taking over for her dear friend’s shop as she retired, adding the former Shreveport landmark Betty’s Books on East Kings Highway to their locations. Being spread out just did not work for Jeanne, and she brought all her locations together in the massive structure that now houses her business.

Book-signings are cozy and personal, with overstuffed easy chairs ready for visitors to sink into. Upstairs and downstairs literary treasures are shelved in nearly every available space. Her staff does their best to keep the new arrivals coming out to be shelved and picked up by new owners.

Jeanne is a lovely lady, whose sweet beauty reflects inward and outward. With seven children of her own that range in age from 6 months to 24 years, three stepchildren and two grandchildren, Jeanne has led an eventful life. Born in Shreveport, Jeanne lived here until she was 7, but was raised mostly in East Texas. As her life took her across the country, she found her way back home 15 years ago, bringing her family with her.

Together with her son Russell, who drives in once a month from Dallas, they maintain the feeling of the old brick-and-mortar bookstore with the technology of today. “I want to mention how important it’s been to us to make our kids a part of this adventure. Even our step-children and the oldest that are grown and gone – they have all worked for us and are a huge part of our bookstore.”

She is happy to offer book lovers the hands-on experience of picking out their books for less than they can find them online. And sometimes, you just need to be able to browse through shelves upon shelves of books to find the one you need. The warmth of her shop translates into the experience, with verdant pothos plants – Jeanne’s favorite plant – trailing their supple green leaves across the tops of shelves and even a snack bar to satisfy your sweet-tooth.

There’s a gift room with unique décor and antique books, genre rooms and sections, and even a dollar room where closeout books and items go for a buck each. “Nothing makes me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile as much as when a customer wanders in looking for a certain title that they are sure I will not have ... just to watch me or one of my staff walk straight to a shelf and pluck it off in less than two minutes. The gratitude they have makes me strive harder to get and have everything everyone is looking for.”

Her smile and positive attitude are what keep customers coming back as well.

– Marcus Mébes

Photo by Marcus Mébes