Forget Me Not Fables bookshop has opened at 1986 Smith St. in North Providence, R.I. Owner Alexandria DiGregorio told the Valley Breeze that the "tiny but cozy store is meant to be a community gathering place, a place to read, study, or hang out with friends, all while enjoying a good used or new book."
The shop had its soft opening party on November 29, and a grand opening celebration December 13. DiGregorio cut the ribbon with Mayor Charles Lombardi, who said: "Small businesses are our salvation. This young lady doesn't know that we need her more than she needs to be here." DiGregorio also received a citation from Lombardi, wishing her and her new business all the best.
Though small, Forget Me Not Fables will feature a range of books, and she wants it to be more than a store: "I definitely want it to be a community meeting place," which might include hosting craft nights and book clubs. There will also be love seats, rocking chairs, puzzles, and games."
DiGregorio was an early childhood educator for six years, and during her time in special needs classrooms she began collecting books to share with her students. Before the physical store was in the planning stages, she was selling blind dates with books packages at several events throughout the state, and found that "many customers buying our blind dates with a book and other merchandise asked if we had a physical location."
DiGregorio said she "wasn't expecting to find such a charming spot for her brick-and-mortar venture, and loves how the natural light floods in through the two large windows," the Breeze wrote. "She encourages anyone who loves books, or who just wants a quiet place to study or relax, to come take a break from the hustle and bustle of life and enjoy some time at Forget Me Not Fables."