3 Balloons, a children's bookstore selling new and used titles, will open in Roanoke, Va., in November, the Roanoker reported.
Owner Steve Stinson, who's also a children's book writer and artist, plans to host storytime sessions on Saturday mornings. He will also use 3 Balloons to provide employment opportunities for adults with disabilities; in addition to books, the store will sell gift items and other products made in-house by those employees, who will learn stenciling, painting, and more.
Stinson told the Roanoker he was inspired to open 3 Balloons after visiting a store in Missouri that employed adults with disabilities and sold similar items. He called that the store's "primary purpose," while also noting that it will be the only bookstore in the Roanoke area to be focused solely on children's books.
The store will reside at 535 McClanahan St., with Stinson aiming for a November 1 opening.