The Bookies Moves In
The Bookies new location in Virginia Village near the intersection of S Holly Street and E Evans Ave.
As an educator, a parent, a book lover, I would salivate entering The Bookies on Mississippi with its golf-course green carpet, tight aisles, stuffed shelves and tables completely covered with games. It was magical. And the staff, equivalent to Apple Genius Bar expertise, expanded my awareness of resources and reads I still treasure today. For me, going to The Bookies was the field trip from heaven! And now the store, under new ownership, has relocated to the Cook Park area, near the corner of Holly and Evans at 2085 S Holly Street.
Nicole Sullivan purchased the store in 2021 after its founder, Sue Lubeck passed away. As the previous owner of BookBar and BookBar Press, Sullivan knows about running a bookstore, and even more about looping in community. She brings a flair for making a store more than just grab and go.
“It’s a continuation of Sue’s mission, with an expanded outlook. Book stores should be community spaces,” said Sullivan. Community is the keyword. Along with the best reads, the layout includes sections for celebrations, parties, and a meeting room for book clubs and writing workshops. “It will truly be a space for gatherings and literary events.”
Sullivan is still surrounded by the infamous Bookies staff: mostly retired educators who never tire of discussing resources related to education, learning, and reading for both adults and youth.
Sullivan also serves the community through the non-profit BookGive, which she started in 2020. Individuals donate books and more than 100 volunteers distribute those books back to the community. “It’s a very curated process. We are judicial about what we pass along,” explained Sullivan. In addition, The BookGive has a free book room for the community to grab what they need.
When asked if she’s in a book club, Sullivan warmly replies, “I feel like my whole life is a book club.” Indeed. To learn more about the many events, author readings, and opportunities for learning visit thebookies.com. And be sure to stop in for great gift ideas!