ROME, N.Y. — The city of Rome just got its second new bookstore in less than a year, but the newest shop, Circle Time Books & More, focuses on the city’s youngest readers. “I think every child should have a bedtime story,” says Teri Smith, who opened the shop with her husband Richard. “I want […]
ROME, N.Y. — The city of Rome just got its second new bookstore in less than a year, but the newest shop, Circle Time Books & More, focuses on the city’s youngest readers.
“I think every child should have a bedtime story,” says Teri Smith, who opened the shop with her husband Richard. “I want to get parents to connect with their kids with a book.”
Her store at 401 N. James St., which celebrated its grand opening on Aug. 5, is filled with books and a selection of toys for kids ages 12 and under.
The idea for the store emanated from Smith’s 40 years of experience providing daycare services, and the name was inspired by the circle time she holds for her young charges. “Kids like to read, but kids aren’t reading anymore,” Smith says, noting that she hopes to change that.
Circle Time Books & More carries numerous books that come with a stuffed animal, including many from Slumberkins, so that children can have a tactile experience while reading or having someone read to them. According to the Slumberkins website, the snuggly items that come with the books help provide security and comfort, support emotional regulation, and help inspire imagination.
Circle Time also stocks the Barefoot Books brand, which is typically only sold through home parties, but is available in select stores. “I like the process they go through in choosing what books to get,” Smith says of the company. The store also stocks a selection of Christian books and books in Spanish.
Smith is leasing about 800 square feet for the store. She and her husband currently are the only employees, but Smith hopes to have their grandchildren help out. Friends and family are also available to help as needed, Smith notes.
It took about two months to get the space ready to open and about $20,000, a personal investment, to launch the business, she says.
“We put a lot of thought into what is in here,” Smith says. From hand puppets to sensory dough, all the toys have a purpose.
Smith believes the quality of merchandise and the personal touch Circle Time offers will help it compete with online retailers and large bookstore chains.
“If you come in here, we can guide you to something,” she says. Along with a personalized experience, she wants to make it an adventure for children to visit the store and pick out a new book.
Smith continues to provide daycare services, so the stores hours remain limited at this time. Circle Time Books & More is open Tuesday through Friday from 2-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Just like the store’s name says, Smith hopes to soon offer circle time there, either inside the store or on the lawn next door during nice weather. Smith hopes one of the books the store will be able to feature soon is one she is writing with her sister Corri Lenaghen about “Opal the goat.”
Circle Time does not compete with Keaton & Lloyd Bookshop, which opened in Rome in October 2021. That store caters to teens and adults.