The Reading Nest will open today in downtown Cedarburg, Wis., the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Located at W63 N672 Washington Ave., the Reading Nest spans roughly 600 square feet and carries general-interest titles for all ages. There is a selection of used titles available, and in addition to books, owner Kristin Burkart carries an assortment of bookish gifts. Prior to finding the space on Washington Ave., the Reading Nest operated as a pop-up within a local skin care clinic and boutique.
"I wanted to create a cozy place where we can share books and be a fun part of the community," Burkart told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A military veteran, Burkart is also the owner of Red Arrow Real Estate and was on the city's common council for eight years.
She felt Cedarburg needed an independent bookstore, especially one with a cozy and comfortable vibe, and there seemed to be a growing trend of people choosing to support small businesses instead of giving their money to billionaires.
"I also think smaller bookstores carefully choose their inventory, or focus on a specific genre, so then it's not an overwhelming experience," Burkart said. "Small shops make it easy to casually browse and walk away with something that randomly caught your eye."