Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellen Seay.
Ellen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always been a lover of reading and learning so I wanted to bring that to the community in a new way that Roanoke has not seen before. Prior to opening The BiblioPub, I was a teacher focused in adult ESL and high needs special education, then worked a corporate job in the education technology field. The corporate life was just not for me though, so I explored ideas of how to get back out in the community and provide something people didn’t have access to, and the idea was born. Reading is such a fundamental skill for just about everything in life, and I wanted to provide access to reading materials, and a nice space to enjoy them, at a lower cost than a traditional bookstore. That is why we focus on giving pre-loved books a new life. We do have a section for new books, an option to purchase audiobooks, and pre-orders for anything a reader wants!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. I had virtually no background in business so I’ve had to learn a LOT along the way. Dealing with all the different permits, deadlines, the city, ABC, the health department, etc., was all new to me. There’s no “how to start a small business” guide that can address every little thing so I just had to be prepared for new things to get thrown at me at any time. I also continued to work my corporate job well into the opening of the store, so juggling both was extremely hard. Luckily, Roanoke has a great network of small business owners who are happy to help with questions or advice. The Small Business Development Center was also a very helpful resource. Even though we’ve been open for a year now, the consistent struggle we have is community visibility and awareness, which we’re working on through a year two branding and marketing plan.
We’ve been impressed with The BiblioPub, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The BiblioPub is Roanoke’s first combined bookstore, café, and beer and wine lounge under one roof. We offer free Wi-Fi for work or study, cozy seating to relax with a book and beverage, and an atmosphere designed for people who prefer a quieter, slower environment. We host events like author readings, open mic poetry nights, book clubs, silent reading hours, and reading-related craft nights, with the goal of connecting readers, writers, creatives, and curious minds from across the community. What sets us apart is the focus on creating a welcoming “third place” that feels calm, intentional, and community-centered. The BiblioPub was built to offer connection without pressure for things like a relaxed date night, a cozy place to work, or somewhere to spend time alone without feeling isolated.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love seeing other people happy and enjoying the space I created. Roanoke has been so supportive in my journey and the customer-base is just absolutely fabulous. I couldn’t be more thankful for them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebibliopub.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebibliopub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bibliopub
