First chapter for Someday Books

Elysia French, Graham Thompson tops with Win This Space

Whenever Elysia French French and Graham Thompson visit a new community they seek out book stores as a way to discover that local feel.

And now they’re hoping to reflect St. Catharines’ vibe with Someday Books.

French and Thompson celebrated the grand opening of their store at 21 King St. Saturday.

They secured the spot through the St. Catharines Downtown Association’s Win This Space contest, which gives them one year free rent. “(Independent book stores) have a different feel or vibe, based on the city,” said French.

“They have that cool identity that represents the community they’re in,” added Thompson.

“It’s getting to know your community through books,” French said.

The store owners were overwhelmed by the turnout to their grand opening.

Book lovers of all ages crammed into the store to scour shelves, some to get a head start on Christmas shopping.

Someday Books offers the latest literary hits, children’s books, non-fiction, cookbooks and more. In their effort to reflect the city in which they operate, a board near the entrance invites visitors to share what they’d like to see on shelves. Thompson and French are both originally from the area but recently returned to live here after spending time in Kingston.

“We just thought it was something St. Catharines really needs,” Thompson said.

During the grand opening, St. Catharines MPP Jennie Stevens said the great thing about books and book stores is they allow readers to travel anywhere in the universe without leaving the city.

Mayor Walter Sendzik said Someday Books will help “ignite the minds of a lot of people here in St. Catharines.”

And that’s something French and Thompson want to do. They hope to host special events and book clubs.

“We wanted it to be a nice, creative space,” said Thompson.