 If you ask Kaylee Zruna about the origins of Aveyron Bookshop, she’ll tell you it started long before the online store was officially launched. In many ways, it was born the first time she watched You’ve Got Mail as a child. The image of Kathleen Kelly’s charming little bookstore, The Shop Around the Corner, stuck with her, sparking a dream that has followed her ever since. “I have loved reading for as long as I can remember,” Kaylee shares. “The idea of owning a bookstore really came to me when I was about ten.” Today, Aveyron Bookshop is a reality—an online haven for book lovers, infused with her personal touch and deep love for literature.
The Story Behind the Name Ever the bookish romantic, Kaylee found inspiration for her store’s name in a subtle but meaningful reference to Beauty and the Beast. “Aveyron is a very niche nod to that movie,” she explains. The fictional village of Villeneuve in Disney's 2017 live adaptation of Beauty and the Beast was inspired by the real-life town of Conques, located in the Aveyron department of France, adding another layer of literary magic to the business. The real ones know how much Belle loves a bookshop and a library. A Carefully Curated Collection Unlike the vastness of large retailers, Aveyron Bookshop is shaped by Kaylee’s personal tastes. “The genres we carry are ones that I personally love,” she says. Historical fiction and romance take center stage, but the store also offers fantasy, sci-fi, general fiction, mysteries, thrillers, and children’s books. Space may be limited, but every title is carefully chosen, making the selection feel more like a handpicked bookshelf than a warehouse inventory. Beyond just selling books, Kaylee is dedicated to creating a welcoming space for readers to connect. “My mission is to create a safe space for readers to find community,” she explains. The bookshop even has a charitable aspect—every order contributes to tree-planting efforts, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and giving back.  From The Caboose to a Future Storefront In 2023, Aveyron Bookshop had a temporary physical home at The Caboose, thanks to the GROW program. The experience was transformative. “The Caboose was a highlight of 2023 for us,” Kaylee says. “We frequently think back to our time there and miss it! As an online store that also attends some markets, it was an amazing opportunity for us to get a feel for what it would be like to have our very own storefront. We could also meet people from all over the world as they would stop in while touring and seeing Jumbo! The chance to talk with our local community and share our love of books with fellow readers in person is also one of the major reasons I dreamed of owning a bookstore. Our time at the Caboose solidified how much I feel a permanent physical location is our next big step." A Personalized Book Buying Experience Shopping with Aveyron Bookshop isn’t like ordering from a big-box retailer. Kaylee ensures a personal touch with every order. “I want anyone who shops with us to feel like they found a new friend,” she says. She responds quickly to messages, personally processes special orders, and even delivers books locally at no extra charge. To make the browsing experience even more tailored, the website allows customers to filter books by genre and whether an author is Canadian or independently published. “If there’s any question, I am always happy to hear from customers through Instagram, Facebook, or our site,” she adds. For those who love exclusive finds, Aveyron Bookshop offers signed editions and special edition sprayed-edge copies when available. The store also has a rewards program—every dollar spent earns points toward future discounts, a small way of showing appreciation for loyal customers. Audiobooks are another thoughtful addition, catering to those who prefer listening but still want to support an independent bookseller.
Building a Literary Community Beyond selling books, Kaylee is passionate about fostering a community. While on maternity leave since June 2024, she’s been planning for the year ahead, eager to dive back into book markets and expand Aveyron’s presence. “The amazing thing about social media is how it can be used for good,” she reflects. Aveyron’s online presence is more than just a business—it’s a hub for book lovers. Followers stay updated on new releases, independent author additions, and special events through Instagram and Facebook. When asked about the most anticipated book of 2025, Kaylee responds, "Honestly, I think it may have already happened! Onyx Storm (the 3rd book from The Empyrean (Fourth Wing) series) came out recently, and the hype building up to it rivalled some other major series releases from the early 2000s." it is thrilling to see books and reading such an anticipated hobby these days. There are other exciting books are on the horizon for 2025, though—like Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry, Katabasis by R.F. Kuang, and Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid—Aveyron Bookshop is ready to help readers discover their next favourite story. For Kaylee, this is more than a business. It’s the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. For her customers, Aveyron Bookshop is more than a store—it’s a place where books are chosen with love, and every purchase feels like part of a story worth telling.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
