ROANOKE, Va. – When you’re doing what you love, the rest comes easy. This beautiful truth defines Ellen Seay’s journey, who opened BiblioPub in Roanoke this May. The cafe-bar-bookstore blend is a first of its kind in the Star City, offering community members a chance to unwind with wine (or a coffee, if that’s more their speed), grab a light snack, and get lost in a good book.
“At the end of the day, I just want it to be a safe space. I want anyone to feel like they can come here by themselves, with their friends, and just feel welcome and like they can hang out here.”
Originally from Baltimore, Seay moved to Roanoke about eight years ago to find her true calling. She initially taught special-needs students and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for adults. While she loved teaching and making a difference, it didn’t quite feel like the right fit…