Sisters Caroline and Mads Vericker grew up among the dusty stacks of the North Smithfield Public Library, where their grandmother worked as library director.
It’s no wonder both became librarians. But in a pandemic-inspired plot twist, both gave up their librarian gigs in favor of starting a cooperative bookstore together. V as in Victor LLC, doing business as Heartleaf Books, opened in Providence’s West End in September, a year after the duo launched the business as a pop-up at weekly flea markets.
Though still library lovers and patrons, the sisters have found benefits in the business side. They get full control over what goes on the shelves, with input from their 166 members and a board of directors. Selections range from local writers to tarot cards and a “big witch section” because there are a lot of customers with interests in that, Caroline Vericker said.
Much like a library, the pair sees the store as a gathering space, with book clubs, community events and even a resident bookstore cat, Penny.
Eventually, they want to open a cafe tied to the bookstore and they are also looking to partner with other businesses and local libraries.