By Andra Moss

A bookstore is opening in downtown Norfolk for the month of May as part of the Norfolk Hub’s pop-up business incubator space in the Royal Arcanum building. 

The Dog’s Ear used bookstore is the brainchild of the Norfolk Library director, Ann Havemeyer, and trustees Michael Selleck and Trish Deans. All proceeds will benefit the Norfolk Library Associates.

The Norfolk Hub has two retail spaces available for pop-ups on the ground floor of the historic downtown Norfolk building. Selleck, who is also a co-chair of the town’s Economic Development Commission, says he was especially responsive to Havemeyer’s idea to open a used bookstore because it appealed to his “interest in trying to create a more vibrant downtown area with more destinations.”

The shop will be stocked with donated books, many procured by Selleck, a retired publishing executive. Current and recent fiction and nonfiction books will be offered, both hardcover and paperback. Additionally, says Selleck, Deans is curating a collection of used and unique books that have more value—antique books, early editions, and so on. No books that have been collected for the annual Norfolk Library book sale will be sold in the shop, but additional donations are certainly welcome, the trio say. These can be dropped off at either the shop, located in the end space of the Royal Arcanum, or at the Hub.

Shoppers will find The Dog’s Ear open throughout the month, Thursdays through Saturdays, as well as the occasional Sunday. Precise business hours will depend on volunteer support, says Selleck, adding that anyone interested in being a volunteer bookseller can reach out to him directly to learn more. He also encourages locals to keep an eye out for a special “Book Opening” event mid-month.