There's a new bookstore in downtown Covington, filled with a variety of books, artworks and gift items. It's not one of those huge franchise outfits, but a small locally-owned book emporium with an impressive collection of classics, specialty books, and books by local authors.
The Dane Books and Gifts shop is at 322 Courthouse Alley, right behind the Mattina Bella restaurant. This is a premiere location, between the old courthouse building on Boston and Brooks Bicycle Shop.
The bookstore entrance
Maryanna Dehler runs the place, and it is filled with not only books but artwork as well, much of that produced by local artists. There are comfy chairs to sit in, tea and snacks are available for visiting readers, and there is even a children's room. Out back there is a small patio with umbrellas for those who like to read outdoors.
Shelves of interesting books
Covington has had bookstores in the past, and this one carries on that tradition, a comfortable retreat filled with locally-oriented books and artwork.
The business opened on May 13 and has already gathered a loyal group of local book-lovers. There is a growing number of book discoverers, also, people who are finding out about authors they were unfamiliar with, as well as local artists and gift makers.
The location may seem out-of-the-way, but at one time courthouse alley was bustling with offices and activity. While Boston Street is the main street for most traffic today, Gibson street to the north was once packed with hotels, restaurants and barrooms, because that is where the train track was. Trains brought hundreds of people into town every week (and more on the weekends.)
The front door of the bookstore looked out upon the back of the Star Theater building, the TAVI restaurant, and the old courthouse structure. Within a block is the Southern Hotel, Columbia Street, and the Covington Trailhead Visitors Center and stage. Tammany Trace is a few steps away.
The goals of the shop include helping more people get into reading and make possible more connections in the community for those who like to read.
The children's room and hidden back patio.
A relaxation room (The staircase in the back is a picture mural)
Artwork adorns the walls. Artists include Debbie Rucker, Gretchen Templat, and Tony Tribou.
A ribbon cutting was held on October 20, 2023
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