Readers in the Sky
Readers in the Sky
Stepping into Nook Books is like entering a world apart. Shelves upon shelves of colorful picture books greet you, as well as a full wall of Polaroids of the many children who have found a new favorite on Nook’s shelves. This independent children’s bookstore—located at 50 N. Queen Street in Lancaster City—has quickly become one of my very favorite places. And Emma O’Brien, the owner of Nook Books, is one of the best reasons to give this warm, welcoming space a visit. I chatted with her about why she does what she does—and how readers can change the world.
First, the basics: What is Nook Books and when did the shop open?
Nook Books is an independent children's picture bookstore for everyone’s inner child. It is a design-minded bookstore offering books, artwork, events, and experiences related to children's books, learning and exploration. The shop is a home for an interactive experience that helps kids to explore, learn, grow—and, most importantly, cultivate a lifelong interest in reading.
Where did the name come from?
Nook Books is 265 square feet (probably the tiniest bookstore you've ever been to), but the name really was inspired by the size. I've always gravitated to carving out reading nooks in any space that I have lived in, something tiny, cozy, good light, a nice comfy cushion. So when I saw this space, I just knew it had to be Nook Books. I've always wanted this space to be a place for reading, more than it is for shopping.
How did you come up with the idea to open Nook Books?
Honestly, it was inspired by the birth of my daughter. Giving birth, for me, was a really wild experience that sort of unlocked so many things creatively and career-wise that had been buried deep down. Covid was a particularly isolating time (as it was for so many people), and I was a brand new mum in a brand new town, and so out of touch with how to make friends and make Lancaster feel like home. The bookstore was my way of connecting with people, but also talking about books, something I've always loved doing. I'm particularly nostalgic about children's books; I've referenced them in meetings, read them whenever I've been lost or looking for advice, and gifted them to so many friends over the years. There is something unique about a picture book—it can say so much of what can't be said in adult language.
2021 was a big year for our family. My husband and I moved to Lancaster at the end of February 2021, gave birth to our daughter Joey in April, and opened Nook in November. Although it wasn't perfect timing for our family, and didn't really make sense on paper, Nook Books has been a wonderfully rewarding way for us to feel a part of this small town.
What’s your favorite part of running the book shop?
Curating the books! I love helping people find books they might not have heard about or found on their own. It brings me great joy. There are so many wonderful children's books out there, old and new, and so helping to surface new, under-the-radar authors, revisiting old authors, and working with small publishers is what I love most about my job. Sure, there are days where I get discouraged that we can't have every single book for every single person's needs. But, I always have to remind myself to come back to why I started this shop—to curate really good picture books. The moment I start to second guess myself—that I should have more books, more of the popular books—I realize I'm off track and not focusing on my strengths.
What is your favorite children’s book?
The hardest question of all time! Truly, this is impossible for me because there are so so many that I love. One of my all time faves would have to be Round and Round and Square by Fredun Shapur. I love it because it’s about a circle and triangle that play together to create an imaginary world; it's so simple, and beautifully designed and illustrated. It's hard for me to get this title at the shop because it's out of print with most publishers, but I think it's such a staple for everyone's library.
My other favorite would have to be The Little One by Kiyo Tanaka, which is about a little girl who finds an imaginary friend that no one else seems to see or pay attention to. This book is one of my favorites that we have in the shop because little people always see things that big people miss, and that’s why children are so special.
The big question: Why do you do what you do?
I think readers can change the world—reading makes us more empathetic and understanding, and gives us the capacity to hold the emotions of others more carefully. Everyday, when I come into the shop, I have the incredible gift of really being able to see someone and help them find a book that will help them be able to see themselves. If I do that for one person everyday until I die, I'll be fulfilled and happy.
By Maddy Pontz
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Nook Books
50 N. Queen Street, Lancaster
