HAMPTON — If you’re looking for a place to buy, exchange or donate books, Dog Eared Books is the place to satisfy your inner bookworm.
Dog Eared books is one of Hampton’s newest used bookstores — it opened in April.
Born and raised in Hampton, owner Victoria Mitchell has always wanted to open her own bookstore.
“I’ve always wanted a bookstore and I just think that Hampton’s the spot,” she said.
Mitchell has always loved bookstores, especially used bookstores, so she is excited to have one of her own.
“They have something you didn’t think you were looking for,” Mitchell said.
Even though she’s only been in business for a couple of months, Mitchell said she already has several regulars who come in to browse. Dog Eared Books will trade, give store credit or take book donations. That’s how the majority of her books find their home at her store.
Before Mitchell opened Dog Eared Books she was a partner in her own cleaning company, which she started in 2012. The bookstore will be her second partnered venture as she is running Dog Eared Books with her mother, Phyllis Henry.
She also partnered with The Writers Studio in Newport News. The studio will be using her store as a meeting place for workshops on topics such as journaling or other writing ventures. Mitchell has also started a book club where patrons can come in and share books they’re excited about.
Another way that Mitchell wants to involve the community is by bringing in local writers and authors to do signings and readings.
She has hosted writers like Hampton resident J.D. Cunegan, and would like to have an author a month come by and present their work.
She said she feels as though it encourages her readers to come by the store and learn about the authors they love.
To find her shop and learn more click here.
