Possible Futures, a bookstore and community reading room with a focus on underrepresented authors and subjects, has opened in New Haven, Conn., Yale News reported.
Owner Lauren Anderson, formerly a tenured professor, opened the store in New Haven's Edgewood neighborhood on August 22. Anderson sells new books for all ages, along with a rotating selection of work by local artists that is paired with books of the artists' choice.
"What's here reflects our community and offers a little bit of connection to certain books in other places," Anderson told Yale News. She frequently solicits recommendations from customers, neighbors and community members to help build her diverse and inclusive inventory.
The shop also features a couch and plenty of comfortable seats, so patrons can sit, have conversations and read. Anderson's event plans, meanwhile, include author readings and book lunches, and she's already partnered with organizations such as the Pride Center.
After running a different bookstore for several years, Anderson decided to open a new store closer to her own community. In January, she began putting together a business plan while scouting for locations, and she was finally able to start building out the store after a long wait for zoning approval.
"I believe in living where you work and working where you live, and knowing people," she added.