Inklings Children's Books hosted a grand opening party last Saturday at 106 Mad River Green, Waitsfield, Vt., with live music, a story time, and arts and crafts, WCAX reported, noting that "the goal of Inklings is to provide a space where kids and adults can come for a diverse collection of books."
When he was writing for Disney, Inklings owner Brian Wray had fantasized about owning a bookstore one day. "I was writing children's books, and the more I wrote and went out and shared books at schools and libraries, I really wanted children's books to be my full-time life. So, this is a dream of ours," he said.
Nicole Angel, his wife, has supported him through the lengthy process of creating the new indie. "He would see the reach that it will make in the community and how kids would just come to life through books and that they get really fulfilled and he's, like, let's do this. So here it is," she said.
The store offers a variety of books, which Wray called an important aspect of his vision: "It was really important. We wanted Inklings to have a wide range of books, wide range of subject matter and reading level from board books all the way up to young adult."
Although it has been a challenge getting the store off the ground, Wray said it was worth it in the end: "The most rewarding part is handing a child a book and seeing their eyes light up. That never gets old."
On Sunday, Inklings posted on Instagram: "Thank you for an amazing first day at Inklings! Our thanks to @vermontproconstruction for creating such a warm, welcoming space. Thanks to @zoes_kitchen_paradise for the delicious cupcakes. And a huge thanks to this amazing community for all of your warmth & support. We are deeply grateful!"