Stratford author prepares for grand opening of new bookstore

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Nikkya Hargrove says she has always dreamed of opening a bookstore - and now that dream has become a reality. "I'm nervous, excited but nervous," said Hargrove, owner of the Obodo Serendipity Books. When she planned to open up the bookstore, she says community was the main purpose. She plans to hold book clubs, community dinners and have local vendors featured at the store, too. "We really wanted to see that here in Stratford for the families that are here, for the retirees that are here and so here we are three days away from opening our doors," she says. Community is even engrained into the name of the store, Obodo means community in the Nigerian language, Yoruba. “I am part Nigerian and wanted to incorporate that into the name. Serendipity we all know we can surprise one another,” said Hargrove. The grand opening will be Saturday, Sept. 7 at 10 a.m. She hopes once they open, people will find comfort there. "Home, I want people to walk through the doors knowing this is home. Whatever they have going on before they walked in, they can leave outside and we welcome them with open arms," said Hargrove. Hours of operation will be Tuesday to Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. "