A BIPOC-focused bookstore and maker’s space is opening on West Vliet Street
To offer titles written for toddlers to young adults
A children’s bookstore and maker’s space is opening at the end of January on W. Vliet St.
Rooted MKE at 5312 W. Vliet St. will be split between a bookstore focused on stories by or about Black, Indigenous and people of color and a maker’s space for crafts and tutoring.
Ashley Marie Valentine, a Milwaukee native, plans to open Rooted MKE on Jan. 29.
The bookstore is about 375 square feet while the maker’s space is about 400 square feet.
Valentine previously was a teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools and then worked at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee. She left the Boys and Girls Club when she was pregnant with her second child last year.
Rooted will have books written for toddlers through young adult audiences. The bookstore will be open Tuesday through Saturday. All of the titles will either be written or illustrated by or feature characters that are BIPOC.
The adjoining maker’s space will hold classes and private tutoring. The classes will have monthly themes. Valentine plans to start January with an embroidery theme. Students will bring in a denim jacket or jeans and learn to upcycle a piece of clothing with embroidery. “My thought is that the books and maker activities are catalysts to bring families in to decompress,” Valentine said. “I’m really looking forward to having a third space for families in Milwaukee to meet and connect.”
The maker’s space will be open on weekends and evenings. The space will operate on a subscription model at $50 a month. A drop-in session will be $25, Valentine said.
Valentine will hold tutoring and academic coaching at Rooted. The tutors, many of whom are people of color, will provide culturally competent lessons.
Valentine and her husband have put $35,000 into the shop. She has also received support through a Kiva loan and a grant through the state.