The Collective Bookstore, Verona, N.J., will host a grand-opening celebration on April 27, Independent Bookstore Day, for the shop's expansion into a new dedicated children's room designed to immerse young readers into the magical world of Narnia.
Upon entering the children's section through a wardrobe, guests find themselves embarking on a journey starting at the iconic lamp post from Narnia, surrounded by a winter-themed setting that gradually thaws into spring. This design aims to engage visitors by bringing the beloved classic to life, the bookstore noted.
"Our vision for the Collective has always been to create a unique space that rekindles the joy and wonder of bookstores through such magical experiences," said co-owner Josh Jacobs. "With children's books making up about half of our sales, it was crucial for us to not only expand our collection beyond the titles we already offer but also to provide a venue for community events."
The new children's room will double as an event space and host a variety of activities, including weekly storytimes, book clubs, author visits, book signings, and more.
Co-owner Lauren Jacobs added: "We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support from our community. This expansion would not have been possible without their enthusiasm and commitment to supporting local businesses like ours."