I don’t want to sound like a broken record. Many of you have learned these things over the years. But here’s a quick summary of how I got from “then” to “now”:
—I started teaching early elementary and preschool back in 2006 after moving to Jacksonville, Florida
—Wrote my first complete novel in 2010. Published my first in 2014
—Tutored young readers helping them achieve grade-level expectations
—Continued school and got my masters in Library Science
—Interwove books, teaching, and writing into all my professional experiences
—Moved to Louisiana in 2020
—Obtained my international teaching certification in Montessori education for 3-6 year olds
—Obsessed over early language and literacy development in children
—Opened a bookstore to increase accessibility of books for all
—Incorporated a nonprofit to focus on improving and promoting literacy for young readers
—Gave away children’s books, donated to school libraries, offered literacy-based events and resources to the community
—Pushed my vision and goals forward constantly
And now we’re here.
We’ve successfully transitioned beyond the four walls of the brick-and-mortar, and I’m working nonstop to get settled. I want to start by focusing on these 3 things:
1. Establishing physical spots around town where you can fulfill your impulsive bookish needs
I’m about to setup a spot at Fresco Farmers Market (located at our OG location 2254 First Street in Olde Towne).
As we progress, you’ll also find us at local markets selling curated selections of our inventory alongside our gifts and other book-related novelties.
2. Improving the online shopping experience
I’m so proud to have a nationwide reach. We receive orders steadily from all over the country which increases the support we need to fulfill our vision here at home.
For our locals, shipping is always an option, but now you can also opt to pick up your orders from our Fresco Farmers Market Pickup Spot. This includes our ever-changing inventory of new and used books, preorders, and custom orders requested from our distributor.
Soon, the website will be improved to include easier ways to make special requests for books we don’t have in stock as well as methods to donate your gently loved books to make more shelf space.
3. Providing free literacy-based resources
This one’s both, the most important and the most demanding of me. I plan to offer a space on our website where parents and caregivers can access informational resources and online activities that support early language and literacy development.
I’m thinking digital pamphlets and workshops, printable games, videos, ebooks, and so much more.
This is also where you'll find out about our next children's book giveaway event.
* * *
To begin, we’ve got this blog. I’m writing a series of posts to share how I’m preparing my home and family for our next little reader arriving this summer. Language and literacy development begins at birth starting with the natural interactions that already occur between the baby and her family. I hope you follow along on the journey!
