Talking Animals Books held its grand opening Feb. 7.
Founder and co-owner Katy Lemieux said she came up with the idea in the summer to open an independent bookstore. Lemieux and co-owner Valerie Walizadeh raised the money within a few weeks through the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter.
The store is an "indie," or independent, bookstore, meaning it is owned by an individual rather than a corporation. She said the store will not only sell books, but will host events, book readings and other opportunities to engage with books.
“Independent bookstores are able to serve the community more directly,” Lemieux said. “There’s people that just want to have a real human experience at a bookstore and talk to someone who’s knowledgeable.”
The store’s name derives from C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles of Narnia” where a portion of the story’s animal inhabitants speak to humans, its website stated. Talking Animals Books is located at 103 W. Worth St., Grapevine. 682-223-1311. www.talkinganimalsbooks.com
