Noting that there "are many hidden gems tucked into our communities including independent bookstores," the Lake Mills Leader wrote that the Velveteen Rabbit Bookshop & Guest House has been "such a treasure in Fort Atkinson [Wis.] for the past 20 years.... The bookshop is housed inside a cozy, pink Victorian house and has an emphasis on children's literature."
"We saw this place when it first went on the market," said owner Marie Nelson. "We knew we wanted to be in Fort Atkinson. I knew I wanted something different. My husband, Jim, and I loved old homes. We went, 'This is it.' "
Nelson added that she "always wanted to open a bookshop. After I got my Master's degree I was going to teach a few more years but we opened the bookshop. I love books. My background has always been reading and language arts. Reading has always been a passion. I can't imagine getting tired of books."
On December 6, the Velveteen Rabbit will celebrate two decades in business. "It's hard to believe it's been twenty years," said Nelson. "I'm not sure where the time has gone. I would like to thank the community for all their support. I so appreciate that and it means a lot. A bookstore is so important to have in the community and we wouldn't be here without them. Books take you anywhere."
