Walk through the front door of Frisco Booksellers, and you’ll feel as if you’re visiting a favorite neighborhood gathering place.

Shelves will be filled with everything from highly anticipated new releases and popular book club selections to translated works and books customers may never have encountered otherwise. In the children’s section, young readers will have their own space to explore, with shelving designed to encourage climbing, and options ranging from board books to young adult titles.

For co-founder Jennifer Bischof, creating the shop has been a long-awaited dream.

After her youngest child started elementary school, Bischof found herself with more time to fill, so she began thinking deeply about her passions. And when the COVID-19 lockdown occurred, she reconnected with reading.

“I noticed that I was happiest when sharing books with others and having conversations about them,” Bischof said. “This idea started with a disappointment in having [only one other] independent bookstore in Frisco, where we have such a huge population. Then I wondered, ‘Why can't Matt and I be the ones to bring Frisco’s only general independent bookstore to the community?’”

After years of research, attending conferences, purchasing a location on Main Street and pouring their hearts into the business, the Bischofs are preparing to open the store’s doors this fall.

“I want everyone, and I mean everyone, to walk in and feel like they belong, like they are represented and like they can leave with something that they’re really excited about,” Bischof said.

3D rendering of Frisco Booksellers storefront, a brick building with large windows and gooseneck lamps.

Why is Main Street the perfect location for the store?

After purchasing the location on Main Street four years ago, the Bischofs began hearing about the upcoming construction of the Rail District.

“We thought, ‘Why don't we wait to see what this area is going to look like, so our opening can be as impactful as possible?’” Bischof said.

Over the years, construction around Main Street has been in full swing.

“They have poured so much money into this area, and it's really going to be amazing. They've widened sidewalks, and they've built an amphitheater and a parking garage right behind our building,” Bischof said. “We feel that a lot of [business owners] like us are waiting in the wings to see what this area is going to look like before coming to the forefront. Some of those businesses are open, and they’re lovely. More will be coming: more people, more restaurants and more bars. It's going to be a really fun area.”

How will Frisco Booksellers curate its selection?

Bischof noted that as technology has become a large part of daily life, people are wanting to expand their collection of physical books.

“I think we all have screen fatigue, and the idea of having a record collection or a book collection again—those things that have gone by the wayside in the last 10 to 20 years—is having a resurgence,” Bischof said.

To meet this demand, she plans to build the store’s inventory around both broad interests and customer feedback. New releases will arrive each Tuesday, and the selection will also include books from lesser-known authors.

In addition to physical copies, Frisco Booksellers will offer audiobooks for those who prefer listening to stories.

For children and families, the dedicated kids and teen area will be another major part of that mission. Bischof previously worked as a children’s book buyer, giving her experience in identifying quality literature while understanding what young readers want.

The goal is to create a collection that reflects the community.

“We want customers to feel like their opinions matter, and if there are [titles or authors] they want to see in the store, they can give that input,” Bischof said.

That same community-minded approach will extend beyond the shelves. Bischof plans to host a robust calendar of events, including storytimes and book clubs. She also plans to host author events highlighting local authors.

What’s next for Frisco Booksellers?

After years of planning, research and waiting for the Rail District’s transformation, the Bischofs are preparing to open their doors this fall. More details and a potential soft opening are to come.

“I feel ready; I feel so happy, and I’m honored to be the one to bring the store that I've been waiting for to this area,” Bischof said.

To learn more about Frisco Booksellers, resources can be found here:

A quick recap FAQ

Who owns Frisco Booksellers, and what inspired the store?

The store was co-founded by Frisco residents Jennifer and Matt Bischof. After reconnecting with reading during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jennifer Bischof wanted to bring a broader, more diverse selection of books and community gatherings to the growing area.

What will Frisco Booksellers offer?

In addition to new releases, smaller author titles and translated works, the shop will feature a dedicated children’s and teen area, audiobooks and more.

When and where will Frisco Booksellers open?

Frisco Booksellers will open this fall at 6959 Main St., Frisco.