The long wait is almost over. A nonprofit that will combine books and cats is scheduled to open in a few days.
Books & Meows – a combination cat cafe and book resale store – is expected to open Friday, Nov. 15, at 3719 Bridge Ave., Suite 2, Davenport, according to Nicole Puryear, the owner and founder of business. Operating hours have not been set.
The store centers on Ms. Puryear’s love of cats and books. “Since Nicole can’t adopt every cat that needs a home herself, she decided to open Books & Meows to connect cats that need furever homes with people who need a place to read, relax, or work, all in the company of cats,” Books & Meow’s website said.
Planning started months ago. Ms. Puryear had hoped to open the business in late January, but faced several delays.
“When I started there was carpet in the space, so all new flooring had to go in, walls all needed to be painted and then I started collecting all the things I envisioned for this space. I started working with the shelter and got the ball rolling on getting cats, which turned out to be way more complicated than I thought it would be, but we passed all the inspections and have been able to welcome cats to our space,” Ms. Puryear told the QCBJ in an email.
Several cats arrived at Books & Meows on Wednesday, Nov. 6. “ I love seeing their personalities come out and I can’t wait to welcome people to the cat lounge,” she added.
In addition to helping cats find homes and promoting literacy, Books & Meows has used books. There is also a small lending library in the parking lot on site.
More book donations are being accepted. To make donations, email Ms. Puryear at [email protected].
