Phoenixville's New Independent Bookstore Gears Up For May Opening

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Phoenixville's newest business has designs on becoming a community fixture.

Robb Cadigan and Jason Hafer, longtime friends and owners at Reads and Company Bookshop, are gearing up for a May opening. They want their venture to have a meaningful impact.

"Jason and I love Phoenixville," Cadigan, himself a local author, said. "We’re raising our families here, and you’ll always find us out and about in town. Phoenixville is who we are. It’s not just a marketing slogan for us — we sincerely want Reads and Company to earn its place as the community’s bookshop."

The team is currently outfitting their space at 234 Bridge Street with hopes of creating a "warm and ambient" atmosphere. There are brick walls. An ornate ceiling. And two large skylights. The 2,400 square-foot space is big enough not just for tons of books, but also author events, children's story times, book and film discussions, author residencies, and more.

A feature of the store will be staff recommendations for new reads, as well as community picks. Hafer and Cadigan also want to house unique books in their collection that might not be found anywhere else.

“The biggest opportunity is being able to provide a community with something of true and lasting value," Hafer said. "Books are gifts from authors to their readers, and to help the two find each other is also a gift."

While a specific grand opening date has not yet been set, the second weekend of May is the goal.