By Michael Berry September 4, 2025
Nicole Cernovich is in charge of the new Empire Bookstore next door to Coco’s in downtown Kewanee. [Photo by Michael Berry]
If you enjoy sitting down with a cup of coffee and a good book, the Empire Bookstore is the place for you.
Last Friday the bookstore opened in the space next to Coco’s Coffee Shop at Third and Main streets. Entry to the bookstore is either from a door at the corner of Main and Third, or through the coffee shop.
Nicole Cernovich, who’s in charge of the bookstore project, said that when tenants moved out of the space next to Coco’s, she took advantage of the opportunity to fulfill a dream.
“I’ve been wanting to do this for a few years, and I just thought it would be a good addition” to the Coco’s business, she said.
Remodeling of the space in the 19th-century building began in March. The original wood flooring was restored and, of course, many bookshelves were installed along the store’s walls.
Mrs. Cernovich said the name Empire Bookstore comes from the discovery that at one time there was a tavern called the Empire in the building.
The Empire Bookstore offers new and used books. The new books are in categories like best sellers, general fiction, romance, “romantasy,” science fiction/fantasy and mysteries.
There’s also a selection of children’s books.
“I tried to get a little bit of everything,” Mrs. Cernovich said.
If a customer is looking for a particular book but the Empire Bookstore doesn’t have it, Mrs. Cernovich will order it for them.
Their hours are posted on the business Facebook page as Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.