Read With Me children's bookstore will open in March at 111 E. Hargett St. in downtown Raleigh, N.C., the News & Observer reported. Owner Christine Brenner, a former teacher and school librarian, said she saw a need "for a place in downtown for families to experience together. I was fortunate to have teachers that inspired me and also to have a family that valued reading and always made sure I had access to books."
Brenner plans to hold writing workshops and offer book clubs and illustration classes at the store, which will also participate in the First Friday Art Gallery Walk. An IndieGoGo campaign is going live January 16 to help raise start-up funds.
Bill King, senior director of economic development & planning for the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, called the bookstore a great addition to the downtown retail environment, adding: "Children's books have been far more immune to the effects of e-readers, as parents and kids still love reading and interacting with actual books, so sales of children's books are increasing."