Displaced Pages, a book and record store, will open in May at 1359 East 4th St. in Owensboro, Ky. The Owensboro Times reported that siblings and co-owners Virginia Hardesty and Josh Hardesty will offer a mix of new and used books in a variety of genres, along with book-themed merchandise like candles, tote bags, and tumblers. The store will also sell new and used vinyl records. The bookstore also plans to host events such as poetry readings, writers' nights, and local author signings.
Virginia Hardesty said they hope to stay current with new releases while also providing vintage titles: "I think people are starting to swing back toward physical media. Books and music are both very nostalgic, and there's a growing community around that--especially on platforms like TikTok, where book reviews and record hauls have really taken off."
Displaced Pages began as a pop-up bookstore last year, setting up booths at local markets and fairs. Noting that opening a bookstore has been a lifelong dream, Hardesty said partnering with her brother to include records made the idea more appealing: "This is really about building something for the community. We want it to be an inclusive, welcoming space where everyone can find something they love.... The personal connection is what sets us apart. At an independent bookstore, it's more than just transactions--it's about community and conversation."
She told WBKR that for a time the idea of opening a bookshop "seemed unattainable, and one of those 'meh. Maybe one day' type of things. But after opening at the vendor mall, doing pop-ups and book fairs, and meeting so many in the book community, it became apparent to me that I could make this happen. And why wait? I'm just gonna go for it."