A new chapter has opened up for Riverstone Books in McCandless, as it debuted its new home at the Pine Creek Shopping Center on 65 Blazier Drive with expanded space and a cafe.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Oct. 16 with owner Barbara Jeremiah, staff, patrons and other book lovers, including state Sen. Lindsey Williams and state Rep. Arvind Venkat.
Williams already has been to the new store three times.
“It’s such a great place. It’s fun to get recommendations for books,” said Williams, who often is on the quest to find new books for her nephew.
The local independent bookstore moved into the former Dover Saddlery building after spending nine years at its former and first location in McCandless Crossing. It also has a Squirrel Hill location.
It was the first time Venkat visited the new store at the Pine Creek Shopping Center.
“I love bookstores,” said Venkat, who is a “big fan” of nonfiction history and biographies.
Jeremiah made the move because her lease was up at the former store, and she needed more space to host events. After a search, someone recommended the former Dover Saddlery, a nationwide equestrian-product supplier that closed its brick-and-mortar locations earlier this year.
After much-needed renovations and upgrades to the building, Riverstone Books opened on Aug. 25, followed by the cafe on Oct. 15.
With an additional 1,500 square feet of space, Jeremiah already has hosted several public events, such as author talks and book clubs, and its first-ever cafe.
The Greenhouse Cafe offers a full menu of espresso drinks, drip coffee, assorted teas and delicious pastries. Riverstone has partnered with local roastery Mechanic Coffee Co. to supply coffee and local bakery One Sweet Cookie for treats.
Mechanic Coffee Co. is based in Verona and has two retail locations, in Verona and Shadyside, according to owner David Sutfin.
Jeremiah of Hampton is excited to once again offer programs for young readers at the McCandless site. A story time is scheduled there at 9:30 a.m. every Saturday. A comfortable seating area can be found near the children’s and youth book sections. Puzzles, games and fidget squishy toys also are available to purchase.
Guests looking for a literary respite can enjoy reading areas in other parts of the store, including near the cafe. Jeremiah’s love of gardens shows, and the area is accented with plants, inviting green walls and warm lighting.
The store also offers audiobooks, crafts, puzzles, advanced Lego sets and more.
In the days of laptops and information-heavy cellphones, one can wonder if actual books are even a thing. But, rest assured, the book business is booming.
“We really see a lot of people don’t want to be on their screens,” Jeremiah said.
Carol Kolling of Shaler is one of those people.
She came to the ribbon-cutting because the bookstore holds a special place in her heart.
“I absolutely love Riverstone Books,” she said.
She got into reading during the pandemic, and Riverstone Books helped nurture her new passion for books.
“The people are lovely and kind. They get the books you need. They recommend books,” Kolling said.
It’s an easy stop on her way home from work.
“It’s my zen at the end of the day,” she said.
For those looking for a good read and meet, a few upcoming events include Ethan Joella, author of “Top of the World,” from 7 to 8 p.m. Nov. 6. Also, a conversation with Allison Saft and Courtney Gould, author of “Until the Last Light Goes Out,” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 16. Both require registration.
A calendar of the store’s activities for both locations is available at riverstonebookstore.com.
The Greenhouse Cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. The bookstore is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Riverstone Books also hosts book fairs at schools.