Middleburg Books hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently to celebrate the opening of the new bookstore, located at 17 South Madison Street in Middleburg, Va.
Owners Mary Beth Morell and Christina Duffy, who met as school librarians, have been working on a concept for the shop for nearly a year. They wanted to create a warm and inviting place designed for all, driven by the belief that books can change the world.
"I moved to Middleburg earlier this spring and absolutely fell in love with the beauty, charm and friendliness of this town," said Morell. "But I did not want to live in a place without a bookstore. The warm welcome we have received has surpassed my wildest dreams."
Middleburg Books, which features a curated selection of the latest fiction, nonfiction, and children's books, emphasizes a cozy, nostalgic feel in the historic town. Morell and Duffy's early concepts came to life in what they describe as "this timeless jewel-box of literature complete with a Secret Garden-themed bathroom."
The owners are joined by store manager Miriam Meeks, who has previous experience at E. Shaver, Bookseller, Savannah, Ga., and Lemuria Books, Jackson, Miss. Middleburg Books is planning a range of programs, including book subscriptions for children and adults, annual memberships, and special events like book clubs, author visits, story times, and literary retreats.
"Reading should be accessible to everyone and that is what we intend on providing at Middleburg Books," Morell and Duffy noted. "We want to be a place where people feel welcome and inspired."