The Nook Bookstore Cafe made its debut last month in El Paso, Tex., the El Paso Times reported.
Located at 3260 N. Zaragoza Rd., Suite B201, the Nook sells new books for all ages. There is a children's area, along with a small selection of used books that operate on a "take one, leave one" basis. Spanish-language titles will be added in the future. The cafe sells coffee, tea, smoothies, and a variety of healthy food.
Co-owners Mandy Castillo and Madeline Elias, who met while working as art teachers, held a grand opening for the bookstore and cafe on July 26. Their event plans for the Nook include book clubs, art classes for both children and adults, and book signings.
Elias and Castillo were motivated to open the Nook after seeing many school districts in and around El Paso cut fine arts from their curricula. Castillo, who had previously owned and operated a food truck, approached Elias one day about the idea of opening a bookstore and cafe. Elias readily agreed. Castillo noted that Elias loves books, while she loves the cafe side of the business.
Elias told the El Paso Times that they strove to make the Nook a cozy and inviting place. "I want people to feel at home. A lot of people come here to study, to work. And I think that's great because it's like they're growing."
"We really wanted it to feel like you're coming into your friend's house," Castillo said. "You're just hanging out in the living room, just reading a book, drinking a smoothie or a tea."