When Kyra Mitchell Lewis founded the Reading Route, she wanted to recreate the experience of the school book fair: the thrill of your daily routine being interrupted, the sense of discovery at finding a new favorite book, and the genuine excitement around reading that the event fostered for her.
Through the Reading Route and the Neighborhood Shelf, the first of the brand’s in-person offerings, Lewis is reimagining this nostalgia for adults across Atlanta.
The Neighborhood Shelf is a new book vending machine at the Interlock. Placed in the lobby across from St. Germaine Bakery, the Neighborhood Shelf was designed to be an unexpected opportunity for people to engage with reading in an easily accessible way.
“I want people to experience a moment to discover, pause, and gather with people who want the same things,” Lewis told Rough Draft. “…So many people are feeling disconnected, so many people feel lost and alone. Something like reading or a shared creative interest brings people together.”
When they come upon the Shelf, customers have their choice of 19 books selected by Lewis. The opening collection spans genre and topic, with popular favorites like “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, self-help books like “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, and romance novels like “Before I Let Go” by Kennedy Ryan.
A QR code on the machine will take customers to a digital “neighborhood” where they can find information on each of the books for sale, a playlist to enjoy while reading, and a free printable passport with prompts to encourage reading. They’ll then choose the book (or books) they want to buy and make their purchase, just like a traditional vending machine.
The Neighborhood Shelf is the first of the Reading Route’s offerings. Lewis says that she plans to host more events that will encourage people to read, and the Neighborhood Shelf will be updated with books by local authors and recommendations from customers.
“My bigger vision for the Reading Route is to create experiences that invite people to discover, pause, and father through stories, creativity, and simple analog joys… I want to bring that sense of curiosity, nostalgia, and connection into places where people already live, work, and gather.”
Until Nov. 23, the Reading Route is giving away book-themed totes and Blind Date with a Book packages. To enter, join the Neighborhood Notes newsletter.
More information on the Reading Route can be found on its website and Instagram.
