River & Hill Books will open this spring at 412 Broad St. in downtown Rome, Ga. The News Tribune reported that "when Claire McWhorter and her husband, Seth, decided to de-camp from Atlanta and return home to Rome with their new baby girl, she wasn't exactly sure what she would do. But she knew she wanted to help her community grow."
"I've always loved a good bookstore," she said. "And as a lifelong reader, I wanted to do something to help my community."
River & Hill Books is planning to host a grand opening April 5, though the bookshop may be welcoming customers in before the end of March.
McWhorter is aiming for an eclectic set of offerings--something to appeal to everyone: "Well, we're going to have a huge children's book section. But we're still going to be pretty general interest, but with a good biography and cookbook selection."
Noting that she has always loved independent bookstores, especially when looking for a recommendation for a new author, McWhorter said, "Looking through the 'staff picks' is still one of my favorite things to do. And providing a great book recommendation for a friend makes me happy."
She added: "We're hoping to have book signings when perhaps local authors can come and do a reading and sign some books. And we're also hoping to have a book club and children's book readings on Saturdays."