Keneya Pichardo, Contributing Writer
Mobile bookstores, such as The Book Nook and Paperback Parlor, make regular appearances at local destinations around Richmond, offering readers the opportunity to stumble across their new favorite book.
Katie Pullman, owner of The Book Nook, set up her latest pop-up store at The Poe Museum, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m on Oct. 10. The event was a charity raffle, where a portion of the proceeds went to the museum itself.
The Book Nook is a converted trailer that carries a wide variety of novels, including some that have been banned and challenged.
“I believe that knowledge is power,” Pullman said. “People should have access to whatever resources and books that they want, especially since surrounding counties, like Hanover, are banning these kinds of books. It’s important that people are able to have access to them somewhere else.”
Sophia and Harper, 13-year-old twin sisters, said the event was an opportunity for them to explore.
“Sometimes I don’t always find what I’m looking for, but when I come across something like this it gives me a chance to discover new books, or even my new favorite book,” Sophia said.
Nearby, Danielle Tawney set up Paperback Parlor, her mobile bookstore, at Conex RVA from 2-7 p.m. Tawney, a VCU alumna, travels across Central Virginia in her customized 1996 Honda Acty.
Tawney came up with the idea for Paperback Parlor because her hometown, New Kent, did not have its own bookstore. What began as a tent-and-table setup evolved into a mobile bookstore by April.
“When I lived in Richmond, I had access to independent bookstores to go to whenever I wanted,” Tawney said. “But in New Kent, there were no bookstores in the county, and I didn’t feel like going all the way to Williamsburg, so I thought, ‘What if I brought the bookstore to people?’”
Tawney said she believes that reading does not have to be a solitary activity, and that it should be a shared experience.
“That’s what’s beautiful about it,” Tawney said. “When you read, you’re able to talk to somebody else about it and connect with them on a deeper level and foster a relationship through that.”
Readers can find upcoming pop-up locations and events at paperbackparlor.com and booknookrva.com, or their Instagrams @paperbackparlorbooks and @booknookrva.