Most Iowans are lucky to have a single bookstore in their neighborhood. As of December, Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village has two.
Sisters Books and Nooks debuted in September, founded by friends Jamie Sharar and Sarah Danielson, who call themselves “sisters by choice.” Three months later, sisters-by-birth Lindsay and Jaymie McGrath opened I’ll Meet You There Bookstore and Coffee Shop around the block, sourcing the name from a sentiment their parents often repeated growing up.
Sisters aims for a dark academia aesthetic — rich brown and black walls, antique furniture, gold rococo frames, rugs with whimsical nature imagery, candles, sconces, dripping plants and cozy crannies in which to read a book while sipping wine or tea. A few decidedly modern details stand out, such as a neon sign with a quote from horror movie The Witch (“Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?”) and colorful merch with messages of LGBTQ+ Pride.
“We want to create a unique, cozy and inclusive space for people to congregate, filled with comfortable seating and nooks for you to snuggle in, chill out and enjoy a new book during your lunch break, or to escape your worries for an hour or two,” Danielson said…