Tax Information And Guide

Story Lady brings books to life

Date 10/22/1998 12:00 AM | Topic: Features

If a price could be put on acts of kindness, Marlys Lien would be a millionaire. Lien owns a book shop in Decorah called Once Upon a Time Books, a store made up of stories full of the giving spirit.

But Lien goes beyond having a simple book store which only sells books. She dresses up in costumes and converts her backyard into a decorated stage which corresponds to each book she reads from.

"What I love about a story with a once upon a time beginning is the fact that you can go anywhere with it," said Lien.

Lien provides a fun and interactive place for people of all ages by taking her visitors and customers back into 'Once upon a time' story land by dressing up in bonnets, pumpkins, Curious George costumes, and even clown suits. However, the most fitting costume in Lien's closet, since it sets off her tiny wire rimmed glasses as well as her personality, is Mrs. Claus.

"I actually feel more comfortable when I am dressed up," she said.

In her next event, Lien is going to dress up as a witch while hosting Ruth Hein, the author of Ghostly Tales of Iowa, on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m.. A customer laughed at the thought and said she couldn't possibly imagine her as a witch, but Lien replied, "Well I'm going to be a nice witch!"

These costumes complete the story-book atmosphere provided at Once Upon a Time Books, and lets Lien take on even more of the personality of the characters in the books which she reads from.

Some of the magic found at Once Upon a Time Books begins by entering through the secret garden entrance where tea parties are hosted on the patio and Firefly in the Night excursions begin at dusk. "I always hope we will have our guests that night," she laughed.

Lien is a 1955 Luther grad with a CE degree and she began teaching at the age of 19. However, her love for books and her need for sharing soon led her to open a bookstore. "I always knew I wanted to start this," she said looking at her shelves of books. "I always did enjoy sharing stories with children."

Lien said that her favorite part of owning this book store is when people pick up a book and start to reminisce about when they read it last. It is these sorts of stories which Lien picks up along the way and shares with others.

"She's so creative and has so much energy," said Anne Reinholdz ('99), acquaintance of Lien. This creative aspect is shown by how Lien tries to integrate children and elderly into her stories as she has them play the roles of the important characters of the story.

Vicky Kranberry likes Lien because "she's so actively involved in books. She doesn't just read them, but plays the part of them." Lien insists on giving all of the credit to the children, however and says, "I'm just a facilitator."

Lien also visits schools, nursing homes, and care centers to do programs. Care centers are free of charge because she says, "It's my thank you to them because my daughter was in one."

At each of these visits, Lien arrives early to go around the room to learn everyone's name and to give hugs where they are needed. She said that it is at this time that she picks characters for her performance. Lien tries to focus on the children who might not be so eager to participate, so that she can really see their excitement and boost their self-confidence.

"A book is a gift you can open again and again," is written on all of her pads of paper, advertisements, and is Lien's outlook on life. She tries to incorporate hard times in children's lives and encourages them to cope with it through books. She has focused on divorce, death and many other hard-to-grasp issues children face today. Her gift of time and thoughtfulness is truly a blessing.

Among all of the stories in Lien's store, there is always a favorite among the customers, which keeps them returning. However, you can't find this story propped up on one of her book shelves. This unique story is sitting on a wooden rocking chair reading to her grandchildren who are circled around her on the floor. This once upon a time story is real and it begins at Once Upon a Time Books.

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Karen Heuiser
Chips Staff Writer

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