New bookstore opening in DeKalb in time for What’s Hatching family-fun event downtown this weekend

DeKALB – A new bookstore is taking advantage of a downtown DeKalb event Saturday to welcome patrons for the first time.

Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, 218 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb, is an independent boutique bookstore that will open the same day as Celebrate What’s Hatching in Downtown DeKalb. The event will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 10, in Palmer Court and VanBuer Plaza.

The free event will feature Max the Monkey from 10 to 11 a.m., Mr. Kenny the Balloon Artist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., DeKalb High School’s FFA Petting Zoo and activities, adoptable animals from The Barn on Baseline and large trucks and emergency vehicles on display.

During the event, downtown DeKalb shops will feature a game for customers where they can crack an egg to win treats, discounts and gift certificates. The participating businesses in the crack-an-egg contest are Barb City Bagels, Blue Door Décor, Carter’s Cottage, Cracker Jax, found. Home & Vintage Marketplace, Kid Stuff, Perchance, Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, S.O.A.S. and This & That Collectibles.

Masks will be required per CDC guidelines.

The bookshop will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Its hours are noon to 4 p.m. Sundays, closed Mondays, noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe is owned by Bobbi and Tim Hays, who also own Barb City Bagels.

Bobbi Hays describes the bookshop as “a general bookstore with a little something for everyone.”

“We will sell fiction and nonfiction books for adults and children, both new and used books and gift items, such as puzzles and cups,” she said.

The bookshop will also sell Storiarts items, including scarves, bags and baby blankets with text from classic literature, such as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan and William Shakespeare. The Portland, Oregon-based company gives back to groups that promote literacy around the world.

The bookshop’s children’s section is accessed by walking through a Narnia-inspired wardrobe.

“We wanted our store to be more of an experience and to stand out among other bookshops,” Hays said. “We want everyone to feel cozy, comfortable and welcome.”

Hays said that opening Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe is “a dream come true.”

“It’s been a dream of mine to open a bookstore ever since I was a girl,” she said. “Instead of stuffed animals, I used to fall asleep with books. I want to share my love and passion for books with others and help them discover the joy of reading. Books can take you to so many different places. I’d love to help spark people’s imagination and help them travel on an amazing journey through the pages of a book.”

For more information about Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, visit www.facebook.com/robinsnestdekalb.