Emerald & Amethyst Books will open in a 520-square-foot retail space at 316 W. Main St. in Lexington, Ill., with a grand opening this coming Saturday, January 25. The celebration will include prizes, giveaways, and more.
The Pantagraph reported that co-owners Jamie and Andy Hand named the new business after the birthstones for their two boys. The bookshop will include an espresso bar.
"Reading, writing, it's always been a big part of our life," said Andy Hand. "When you're book nerds, like we are, that's kind of always on your bucket list." Jamie Hand added: "The world is so fast, and I just want people to be able to come in here and slow down.... It's a dream."
In addition to books, the store will sell games and gift items, as well as serve coffee. They are also working with Common Grounds in Gridley to provide baked treats.
"As much as we want books, we know not everyone is a big reader, so we felt it was important to offer other things," Jamie Hand said.
Andy Hand is also co-owner of Limitless Adventure, where he creates adventure books in the Dungeon and & Dragons universe as a third-party publisher, as well as board games and card games.
"We want to... curate a space that serves the community in a special way, as opposed to... Amazon," she said.
Andy Hand agreed: "It's all about fostering a sense of community first, and then when you get people and you build this community, then people want to support you."