The Nook, a bookstore, bar and coffee shop located at 703 8th St. in Baldwin City, Kan., held its soft opening recently. The Baker Orange reported that the shop, located in a renovated older building on the corner of High St. and Grove St., is owned by Niki Manbeck, who also "owns a publishing company and was looking for a way to show off her authors. When the building became available, Manbeck jumped on the opportunity to open up a bookstore in Baldwin City."
Manbeck told the Baker Orange that she wants Baker University students "to know she has the fastest wi-fi around and hopes she can provide a fun environment for people to come enjoy a drink without the loud bar atmosphere."
The Nook has been chronicling its stretch run to opening day on Facebook, posting last month: "So, here's the deal.... Send all your good juju and positive vibes this way. We are working frantically over here to get the Nook open. But I am sure some of you can only imagine the curve balls an old house throws at you. We will absolutely be shouting from the rooftops as soon as we are able to open. No really. It could actually happen...."
In an update on October 5, the bookstore wrote: "We have news! We are going to be doing a soft opening on Saturday, October 5 from 5-10 pm. The bar and bookstore will be open for business. We would love for everyone to stop by and help us become great at our jobs! We are still learning, but that's half the fun! We want to hear from YOU! And we will officially be open for business October 9!!"
And after last Sunday's inaugural event: "Thank you to everyone who came out today for our first (of many) author signing events! We completely SOLD OUT of all Gerard Arantowicz books!!! Baldwin City you are truly amazing, thank you for the support!"