Indie Readery & Records, selling new and used books as well as records and gifts, has opened at 314 North St. in Pittsfield, Mass., the Berkshire Eagle reported, adding that the shop also offers "a vision of community and inclusion."
"We want people to come in and feel represented," said co-owner Laurie Lenski. "And feel like this is a safe space and cozy, [where] they can be whoever they are when they come in."
Her spouse and co-owner, Emma Lenski, had always wanted to open a bookstore, and when Laurie Lenski decided she wanted to pursue a new business, they worked to bring that vision to life while filling a gap in the local market, the Eagle noted, adding that the shop's mission "is reflected throughout the store, which features a dedicated social justice section, along with shelves highlighting Berkshire authors, poetry, art, nonfiction, fiction, children's, young adult and LGBTQ titles--plus gift items that align with their message of inclusion and advocacy."
"We've both been involved with Berkshire Pride," said Emma Lenski, who serves as the organization's director of education and outreach. "It's really important to us to bring that into this work as well, and just continue to advocate for marginalized people of all types."
In addition to books and vinyl, the shop features "a gift section with games, candles, tarot cards, and more, plus an eco-friendly refillary stocked in collaboration with the Plant Connector, where customers can fill up on self- and home-care products," the Eagle wrote.
"There's no bookstores in Pittsfield specifically, besides Barnes & Noble, [so] we figured this was a good spot for a local indie bookstore," Emma Lenski said. "There's been a lot of new stores opening on North Street, and everyone's trying to revitalize it. There's a lot more people walking around and shopping on North Street, and so it's exciting to become a part of that.... I'm looking forward to seeing people come in, get excited about being in a bookstore, and then tell their friends, and then come back. I'm just excited to see it.... It feels really surreal."