For a long time, residents of Kingwood have been craving a bookstore close to home. Somewhere, in a parallel universe – meaning Katy, Texas – their cry was heard. Sandi Petty, a former Katy ISD teacher has opened a second neighborhood bookstore, this one in Kings Harbor. The Bookworm Shop’s grand opening will be held Aug. 15-16.

“We wanted the store to have that neighborhoodstore feel to it,” said Petty. Petty knows a lot about what kids want and need after working for years as a Katy ISD reading specialist on the elementary level. She said the store will make customer service a priority. It will provide space for book clubs to hold meetings and will locate special order books. The store will also host book signings and visiting authors, including local authors. “We will offer both new and used books,” said Petty. “Because we have used books, our inventory is constantly changing.”

The manager of the new store is Kingwood resident Julie Bargenbruch, a friend of Petty’s. The book inventory will include recent releases and best sellers for children and young adults. Petty said she is pulling together a list of the local schools’ required reading materials. “You know how hard it is on parents when their children tell them at 7 p.m. they are supposed to have a certain book for class the next day,” said Petty. She said the store has hired knowledgeable staff that includes retired teachers, librarians and even a journalist.

The new store, just under 3,000 square feet, has lots of natural light and an antique desk to welcome guests. It offers gift items in addition to books. Petty said some of the favorites are educational games that involve reading.“Down the road, we hope to offer one-on-one tutoring just like our program at the Katy store,” said Petty.

For more information, visit www.bookwormshop.net.