Maze Books reopened last Friday in its new location, at 406 E. State St. in downtown Rockford, Ill. The Rock River Current reported that owners Kim and David Pederson had operated for a more than a year on Third St. "before deciding to take over the two-level former GEM: Gather, Engage, Make space. The new location has a more open feel and more space for bookshelves, as well as events and gatherings either on its upper level or back patio. The Pedersons said it was like the business growing up."
"Our bookstore grew up and moved out of its parents' basement," said Kim Pederson.
Maze will expand its hours at the new site, while continuing its philosophy of curating a selection of books for all interests, including new and used titles in both fiction and nonfiction, ranging from classics to contemporary to local authors.
David Pederson said even people who claim they don't read will find something to spark their interest: "It's a challenge, and this is the truth, the book will find you. There's one here for every person."
He added that a second-floor loft space is envisioned as a place for creatives and book lovers to gather: "The idea is to have a kind of a meetup space for writers, for book clubs, for people who want to play board games. Just space where you can hang out above an amazing little shop."
Poetry nights, discussions with authors, and other literature-centric events have been a part of Maze Books since its start in June 2022, the Current noted, adding that the bookstore was able to grow into the new space thanks to the support of local customers and friends who have frequented the shop.
"One hundred percent we wouldn't be here without Rockford. When we opened, everybody was like, 'books, huh?' Ever heard of Amazon?" he said. "But they supported us."