Sharon Amari, owner of online indie Page After Page Books, has opened a bricks-and-mortar location inside Mimi's Coffee & Tea in Commack, N.Y. The Times of Smithtown reported that there is "an entire wall of bookshelves full of fiction and nonfiction books by Long Island writers and by authors from elsewhere, curated by Amari," who lives in East Northport.
Amari had been looking to add a physical space when she came upon Hong Liu's cafe in the Mayfair Shopping Center and knew it was the perfect location.
"I'm actually just a big reader," she noted, adding that the idea is not only to sell books but also raise the profile of Long Island writers. Her first event, Books & Brews: The Sidewalk Signing, was held on May 1 and featured three local authors. She aims to host several book-themed events, including a monthly book club.
Page After Page's physical space had its grand opening earlier this spring. At the time, Amari posted on Instagram: "From the book cave... to this. This started as shelves in my space, late nights scanning inventory, wrapping blind dates with a book, and hoping people would care as much as I do... and now? People are walking in for coffee... stopping... browsing... holding books in their hands... and actually choosing their next chapter in real life.
"I don't think I'll ever get over this moment. Page After Page Books isn't just online anymore... she's officially out in the world. And if you were there today, supported, shared, or even just cheered me on--thank you. Truly. Plot twist... this is just the beginning."