The Crafty Reader, offering new and used books as well as handmade craft goods from local artists, is scheduled to open August 30 at 39 N. Walnut St. in Milford, Del. Owner Kori Lewandowski told Delaware Live that she loves books and crafts, so whenever family members and friends asked what she wanted to do with her life, if cost were no object, "it's always been to open a bookstore."
Lewandowski grew up in Bridgeville and still lives there. "The closest bookstore was always 40 minutes away, in Salisbury or at the beach," she said. "Milford was the first place that drew my eye. Something kept drawing me back to Milford. It really was the welcoming community."
She expressed gratitude for mentoring by Maryland booksellers Mickie Meinhardt of the Buzzed Word in Ocean City and Liz Decker of Caprichos Books in Ocean Pines.
Lewandowski earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Delaware, and early in the pandemic started a jewelry business. "Crafting is near and dear to my heart," she said, adding that she encountered other artisans who were wishing for some sort of permanent space to display and sell their creations. That is why she is making space in the Crafty Reader for artisans, changing the lineup on a month to month basis. When she opens, she'll also have a small selection of her own crocheted items and jewelry.
The store will also start with a selection of used books donated by family and friends, offering what she called "a cool sneak peek into what they like."
Noting that mixing books with other items is a common business model, Lewandowski said, "I don't think that anyone who runs a bookstore does it to get rich. I'm opening it for the love in my heart for reading."