Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Mobile romance and fantasy bookstore Storylight opens this November
Reading time: 3 minutes
Storylight Books, a mobile bookstore known for popping up at local markets and events throughout Mobile, is putting down permanent roots. Owner Jessica Lee is opening a brick-and-mortar location at 857 Hillcrest Road with a grand opening weekend set for Nov. 14.
Storylight specializes in romance, fantasy and diverse voices, alongside trending reads, indie authors and local makers. The shop started as a folding table at local markets before growing into a mobile bookstore trailer that toured pop-ups and events around the area.
Lee said the push toward a physical space came largely from the community itself.
“As Storylight grew, I started getting questions like, ‘What’s next?’ ‘Do you have a storefront?’ and ‘When are you opening a storefront?’ … The support from the community really showed me that there was a want for a space like this in Mobile, so when the opportunity came along, I decided to go for it.”
Jessica Lee, owner, Storylight Books
What to expect at the new location
Lee described the new space as a “third space” for readers, rather than customers making a purchase and leaving.
“I want Storylight to be a true third space, somewhere you can come hang out, have a drink, talk books, meet people and hopefully find your people.”
Jessica Lee, owner, Storylight Books
The storefront will carry traditionally published titles alongside indie and local authors, plus merchandise from local makers. Lee also plans to host book clubs, author events and workshops, and hopes the space will let her bring more authors to Mobile for signings.
The bookstore’s community has already rallied around the milestone, including a feature from the American Booksellers Association. As renovations get underway, Storylight is raising funds through a GoFundMe to cover buildout costs, fixtures and inventory.
Grand opening weekend
Storylight’s grand opening runs Nov. 14 from 10AM to 6PM at the upcoming Hillcrest Road location.
Lee has hinted at more announcements to come but said the weekend will include some extra festivities, true to Storylight’s style.
In the meantime, the mobile bookstore will still be making appearances throughout town, so be sure to follow along on social media to see where it’s headed!
- Storylight Books: Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
- Address: 857 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL
- Hours: TBD
