Cozy Calico Books will host its grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration on April 25, Independent Bookstore Day, featuring an appearance by Mayor Earnie Porta, followed by a story time with Tracey Kyle, author of The World's Biggest Food Fight: The Incredible Story of the Festival of La Tomatina (Sky Pony) and other titles. Other highlights include door prizes and local author signings.
Located at 199 Union St. in Occoquan, Va., in northern Virginia, Cozy Calico Books is owned and operated by author Tracy Banghart, with her husband, Andy Blanton, and their two children. The bookstore will offer what it describes as "a thoughtfully curated collection of new books and bookish gifts for readers of all ages."
Banghart is the author of half-a-dozen YA novels and one picture book, including the Grace and Fury series and Perfect Girl. Her most recent release, Red as Royal Blood (HarperCollins), was published last November under the pen name Elizabeth Hart. Her next YA novel, Ink and Soul (When I Wrote the World, Book 1), will be released by Candlewick in summer 2027.
"I love being an author, but it can sometimes be a lonely profession," Banghart said. "Opening a bookstore gives me the opportunity to connect with readers on a different level. I love handselling an author friend's book or watching a parent read a picture book to their child, snuggled in one of our comfy chairs."
Blanton retired last fall as a colonel from the U.S. Army and is a senior fellow at George Washington University. A nonfiction fan, he plans to host a national security-focused book club beginning in June. "After moving around with the Army for 24 years, I really wanted to feel like I was part of the local community. This bookstore is making that a reality," he noted.
Jordan Sanders, president of Visit Occoquan, said: "We often hear people say they'd love to see a bookstore in Occoquan--so to say our community is excited about Cozy Calico Books opening is truly an understatement. Everyone passing by is peeking through the windows and asking when the doors will officially open. This shop is already creating buzz, and it's clear it will be a wonderful addition to our town."
The bookshop is named in honor of the family's two cats, though they will not be appearing at the shop. "Checkers and Ouija are enthusiastic mascots but don't have the temperament to be bookstore cats. We do hope to partner with local rescues, however, to host cat adoption events at the store," Banghart said.
She added that "we believe that books teach empathy, joy is an act of resistance, and community is more important than ever. We started this venture to create a safe, cozy space with a beautifully diverse selection of books for all to enjoy."