Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe opens in DeKalb

DeKALB – Bobbi Hays has always loved books and reading.

When she was a child, she used to fall asleep cuddling books instead of stuffed animals.

To inspire a love of reading in others and to offer a brick and mortar location for the community to purchase their new favorite book, Hays opened Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, 218 E. Lincoln Highway in DeKalb.

Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe is an independent boutique bookstore that sells fiction and fiction books, both new and used, and gift items, such as candles, puzzles and tea.

The bookstore, located at 218 E. Lincoln Highway, opened Saturday, April 10. The bookstore is owned by Bobbi and Tim Hays, who also own Barb City Bagels.

The bookstore is closed Mondays and open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Sundays, and noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays.

Bobbi Hays describes the bookshop as “a community bookstore.”

“We are a community bookstore: a place where the community comes to read, and where the community decides what books they want to read,” Hays said. “We have lots of space for expansion. Books can be ordered and recommended. We want to offer books the community is interested in, books they want to read.”

The bookshop also has a children’s section, which 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.”

Used books will be sold at the bookstore to make reading affordable and accessible to everyone.

“Reading is timeless, and a book can take you on a journey,” Hays said. “By offering books at every price point, we hope to allow everyone to have that opportunity. We hope they find a book they connect with and develop a life-long love of reading.”

In addition to books and gifts, the bookshop also sells 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.

Brenda Lehan, manager of S.O.A.S. Apparel & Design, said that having a bookstore in downtown DeKalb is “phenomenal.”

“There was such a huge need for a bookstore in DeKalb,” Lehan said. “It will add variety and a unique shopping experience to our downtown.”

Lauren Woods, the owner of Cracker Jax, said that she is “so happy to finally have a bookstore back in DeKalb.”

“We’ve needed a bookstore for a very, very long time,” she said. “It’s great that it’s locally-owned, so shoppers and readers will be able to have individualized attention. I think everyone is thrilled to welcome the store to downtown DeKalb. It was very needed.”

For more information about Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, visit www.facebook.com/robinsnestdekalb or call 779-255-1191.