The Frugal Frigate Bookstore

The Frugal Frigate Bookstore An independent bookstore in the heart of Downtown Redlands specializing in children's literature, plus a small curated room with books for grown ups, too!
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The Frugal Frigate is an independent children’s bookstore located in Historic Downtown Redlands, California. A part of the community for over 32 years, the store is most recently owned by Redlands local Erin Rivera. In our brick & mortar location, we proudly offer the best in both new titles and beloved favorites of children’s literature. We have a refreshing selection of books for children to you

ng adults, and we also carry a selection of plush toys, journals, stationery, cards, a build-a-stuffie workshop, and all sorts of things to stir the imagination. In June 2021, we reopened A Room of One's Own! Some of you may remember the wonderful space that Katherine, the founder of The Frugal Frigate, created called A Room of Her Own. The tag line was, "books for, by, or about women." The Room was closed in the early 2000s when The Frugate changed hands. I (Erin, current owner) worked for Katherine in the late 90s in high school and college. That Room was so important to young, coming-of-age me and I don't think I'd be the same person today had I not had access to it. Literary voices that commanded attention, yelled, screamed, and whispered, showed me both mirrors AND windows. We are so excited to welcome you back to this space for adults, in a little room dedicated off to the side of the main store.

Personal note from Erin, I’m devastated. Katie walked into my store, new to Redlands, during my first year as owner of T...
06/18/2026

Personal note from Erin, I’m devastated. Katie walked into my store, new to Redlands, during my first year as owner of The Frugal Frigate. An instant kindred spirit, Katie means so much to me as a friend, teacher, community member, and absolute pure light in this world. She also founded our Memoir book club and Open Mic Nights for A Room of One’s Own. I’m angry and grief stricken at this news, and trying to embrace the time I have left with her. I love you Katie, more than words can say.

As you may have heard, Katie’s cancer has progressed and last week doctors informed her there were no further options for treatment. They believe she has maybe a month left to live. As a result, Katie has transitioned to hospice in preparation.

Katie and Mike are grateful for your friendship, care, and support through this all. Thank you.

Many of you have expressed a desire to help financially. This fundraiser has been set up in response.

Your contributions will help Mike and Katie spend as much time as they can together, will hire healthcare assistance, cover rent, and will help with the inevitable tasks that are a part of preparing for an end-of-life transition.

Katie and Mike thank you for all you’ve already done and are ever grateful.

https://gofund.me/b54a6c4d5

This was such a good listen about literacy in this country.
06/06/2026

This was such a good listen about literacy in this country.

There's an idea about how children learn to read that's held sway in schools for more than a generation — even though it was proven wrong by cognitive scientists decades ago. Teaching methods based on this idea can make it harder for children to learn how to read. In this new podcast, host Emily H...

Starting Thursday, June 4th, we’re adding a second weekly storytime for the summer school break, this time on a weekday ...
06/03/2026

Starting Thursday, June 4th, we’re adding a second weekly storytime for the summer school break, this time on a weekday afternoon for those who can’t make it to our regular Saturday storytime. We hope you’ll join us for one (or both)!

Look who came to visit us today! O Captain, My Captain, our amazing founder of The Frugal Frigate, Katherine! If you hur...
05/29/2026

Look who came to visit us today! O Captain, My Captain, our amazing founder of The Frugal Frigate, Katherine! If you hurry, you may just catch a hint of her perfume lingering in the store. The ultimate sensory memory for me. It’s like I’m 15 again 🥹

I had the pleasure of reading two storytimes today at the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Family Day event at the Burrage M...
04/27/2026

I had the pleasure of reading two storytimes today at the Big Hearts for Little Hearts Family Day event at the Burrage Mansion today. I also fulfilled a lifelong dream of meeting Wall-E thanks to 🥰 What a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Making its debut for Independent Bookstore Day we are so excited to announce that we have an  art mini prints vending ma...
04/25/2026

Making its debut for Independent Bookstore Day we are so excited to announce that we have an art mini prints vending machine at the shop! Spreading joy through art for only $1, we are thrilled to feature Richard Scarry prints plus an exclusive “I 💙 indie bookstores” mini print. Collect all 7! Quarters available at the front counter 🪙🥰

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with us THIS SATURDAY APRIL 25th! 📚Storytime with Erin at 10:30📚Freebies and giveawa...
04/23/2026

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with us THIS SATURDAY APRIL 25th!
📚Storytime with Erin at 10:30
📚Freebies and giveaways all day 10-5!*
📚FREE exclusive IBD tote with $75 purchase*
📚FREE paletas from Nicho’s Ice Cream 2-3pm!
📚Exclusive IBD Blackwing pencils are back!
📚Exclusive autographed special edition books!
📚Audiobook promo from
📚FREE SHIPPING from Bookshop.org

*while supplies last

04/22/2026

TONIGHT! Jennifer K. Sweeney is offering a free writing workshop at The Frugal Frigate bookstore in Redlands, CA at 6pm as part of the University of Redlands community read. Everyone welcome! The Frugal Frigate Bookstore

Audiobook sale ALL WEEK to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day! Support indie by switching to  for all of your audiobook...
04/20/2026

Audiobook sale ALL WEEK to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day! Support indie by switching to for all of your audiobook needs ♥️🎧📕 LINK IN BIO

When you get asked to do storytime for Fairy Ballet Camp, you commit to the bit. 🩰🧚(Not captured by the phone camera; th...
04/18/2026

When you get asked to do storytime for Fairy Ballet Camp, you commit to the bit. 🩰🧚

(Not captured by the phone camera; the copious amounts of highlighter on my face. I look like a disco ball. 🪩🤪)

Address

9 N 6th Street
Redlands, CA
92373

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday 10am - 6pm
Wednesday 10am - 6pm
Thursday 10am - 6pm
Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

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