In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day on April 27, The Collective Bookstore is excited to unveil a new, enchanting addition: a dedicated children’s room designed to immerse young readers into the magical world of Narnia. This innovative space marks a significant expansion just one year after the bookstore’s grand opening.
Upon entering the children’s section through a wardrobe, guests find themselves embarking on a journey starting at the iconic lamp post from Narnia, surrounded by a winter-themed setting that gradually thaws into spring. This unique design aims to engage visitors by bringing the beloved classic to life.
“Our vision for The Collective has always been to create a unique space that rekindles the joy and wonder of bookstores through such magical experiences,” said Josh Jacobs, co-owner of The Collective Bookstore. “With children’s books making up about half of our sales, it was crucial for us to not only expand our collection beyond the titles we already offer but also to provide a venue for community events.”
The new children’s room will double as an event space and host a variety of activities, including weekly storytime, book clubs, and special events featuring author visits and book signings. These events are designed to foster a love of reading and provide engaging experiences for children and families in the community.
To kick off the celebration of Independent Bookstore Day and the opening of the new kids room, The Collective Bookstore will be hosting the beloved crime fighting superhero, Dog Man! The character appearance will take place on Saturday, April 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
“We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support from our community,” added co-owner Lauren Jacobs. “This expansion would not have been possible without their enthusiasm and commitment to supporting local businesses like ours.”
The Collective is a general interest bookstore that has quickly become a cornerstone for book lovers in northern New Jersey, offering a wide range of books, gifts and experiences designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages.
The Collective Bookstore located at 460 Bloomfield Avenue, by the intersection of Cumberland Avenue opposite Verona Park. You can follow it through its website or Instagram.
