Enchanted Novelties: Harrison’s Newest Bookstore with a Touch of Magic

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Maddie Kaeser, the owner of Enchanted Novelties, Harrison's newest bookstore. Located at 138 Harrison Avenue in The District, this charming shop offers more than just books – it’s Maddie’s vision for a community space where people can gather, relax, and feel inspired by cozy corners and the inviting warmth of being surrounded by books.

From Jewelry to Books

Maddie’s journey into the world of retail began not with books, but with jewelry. Enchanted Novelties originally started as a line of book-inspired jewelry, including a popular Harry Potter collection. Her love for the magical world quickly gained traction, leading her to sell these pieces online and eventually in local retail spaces.

However, Maddie’s passion for books never faded. Coming from a family of “voracious readers,” she has always had a deep appreciation for the written word. This led to a natural evolution, as her jewelry business expanded into the opening of Enchanted Novelties, a place where her love for books and the community could merge.

A Space for Everyone

Maddie’s vision for Enchanted Novelties goes beyond selling books and merchandise. Her dream is to create a “third space” for the community – a place where people can come in, unwind, and not feel pressured to make a purchase. With cozy seating areas, free Wi-Fi, and even complimentary tea, the store is designed to be a public space for everyone to enjoy. Maddie welcomes people to bring in outside food and drink, adding to the warm, welcoming atmosphere.

In addition to its welcoming atmosphere for adults, Enchanted Novelties also offers a magical space for children. As you pass through a whimsical tree archway, you’re transported into an imaginative area featuring a cozy reading nook and a playful castle. This enchanting corner is sure to ignite children’s imaginations, providing a perfect backdrop for little ones to dive into their next adventure. Whether it's storytime or independent reading, this space invites children to explore the wonder of books in a setting that feels straight out of a fairytale.

The store also features a popular “Blind Date with a Book” section, where readers can purchase a mystery book beautifully wrapped in decorative paper adorned with vintage-inspired designs, twine, and charming embellishments. Each package holds the promise of a surprise read, making it a creative and engaging way to discover a new favorite book.

When people come in, I want them to feel “instant joy.” Maddie says, emphasizing the unique feeling that bookstores offer.

Exciting Events on the Horizon

This October, Enchanted Novelties will kick off its first round of book clubs, offering discussions in three popular genres: mystery, fantasy, and romance. Each club will meet weekly, giving local readers the chance to connect over their shared love for these exciting genres.

In addition to book clubs, Maddie is working on several other community-centered events. A children’s story hour is in the works, along with a highlight series featuring local authors. These authors will have the opportunity to discuss their books and connect with the Harrison community. If you're a local author, Maddie encourages you to reach out and share your work – it’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved and showcase your writing to a supportive local audience.

If you’re looking for a place to share your skills or bring a creative vision to life, Enchanted Novelties will soon offer a reservable studio space perfect for workshops, classes, and gatherings. Whether you're an artist, instructor, or just looking for a space to gather, Maddie is excited to see how people will use this space to connect, learn, and inspire one another.

Giving Back to the Community

As part of her commitment to making Enchanted Novelties a true community space, Maddie has also introduced a book donation program. Anyone who donates books will receive a 10% discount on their next purchase, encouraging readers to share their love for reading with others.

For those wanting to reserve a spot for meetings or book clubs, Maddie is in the process of updating the store’s website to allow table reservations in the back.

Upcoming Events:

• October Book Club Meetings: Fantasy (Oct 9th, 7 PM), Thriller (Oct 16th, 7 PM) and Romance (Oct 23rd, 7 PM)
• HalloREAD Party: October 31st, 6-8 PM. This family-friendly event will feature a costume contest, hidden prizes, and mystery books for kids, along with goodie bags.

Enchanted Novelties is open:
Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 10:00am-7:00pm
Sunday: 10:00am–3:00pm
(Closed Monday-Wednesday)

Whether you’re looking for a great read, a quiet place to relax, or an event to attend, Enchanted Novelties is poised to become a special part of Harrison’s community. Stop by soon to see what all the buzz is about!