Odyssey Books, an independent bookstore in downtown Ithaca, N.Y., will have its soft opening this month, followed by a grand opening in mid-April, Ithaca.com reported.
Owner Laura Larson plans to carry something for everyone, and she hopes to turn her store into a communal space where readers can attend things like author signings and genre-specific events. The store will sell all new titles and have a large section devoted to plays.
"I believe bookstores are an excellent place for people to come together and both find what they have in common and get to know each other," Larson told Ithaca.com.
While Larson has no prior experience in bookselling, she's been a lifelong reader and has dreamed of owning her own bookstore for a long time. She's had to wade through a lot of red tape while doing renovations on her space, but now is on track for an opening this month.
Larson added that she wanted the bookstore to feel specific to the community, saying: "I want this bookstore to be like 'this is an Ithaca store, we celebrate Ithaca and all things Ithaca.' I love that there is a boat and a lake. It's about journeys and travels. And, honestly, I'm on my own little journey."