Any magical place worth its salt must be entered by way of a portal. Think of the wardrobe in C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series, the stones in “Outlander” or the rabbit hole in “Alice in Wonderland.” For Wands Books, the portal is a narrow, tree-lined pathway guarded by gargoyles and fronted by an unimposing mudroom. Step through the entrance and you’ll find yourself in a used bookstore lover’s wonderland, where as many as 40,000 volumes await.
Wands Books represents the fruits of many years of labor for Morgan Wood, former Marine and longtime Hampton Roads resident who is happy to talk about books any time, all the time.
“If there’s anything I love to do, it’s talk about books and bookshops,” Wood says as he prepares for his Oct. 19 grand opening at 2501 Fawn Street.
The 900-square foot store is the former home of an indoor farmers market, an industrial bakery and is part of the burgeoning area known as Fawn Street Artists’ Lofts. Flanked by The Annex performing hall and set squarely at the intersections of Lindenwood, Old Hunterville and the Railroad District, the area is home to photography and recording studios, makeup artists and a glass blower.
Wood says the store will not feature one type of literature, but will rather be a “generalist” store comprising contemporary fiction, modern classic, arts and culture books, science, comics, manga and children’s selections. There is also an impressive collection of signed first editions from names such as Umberto Eco, Mikhail Gorbachev, P.D. James and others.
A Community Hub
Wood envisions the space serving as more than just a bookstore. He imagines a community gathering space with a calendar packed with events such as writing and photography workshops, book clubs, open mics and generally a place to come relax and unwind without the expectation of buying anything.
“It’s less of a bookstore and more of a community hub,” he says. “It’s a third space that’s not work and not home when you need something to do on a Tuesday at 7 p.m.
To that point, Wands will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 10 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Inside, Afghan rugs and antique couches sit comfortably, welcoming readers to explore the stacks or just chill out with a favorite read. The space is designed to be inviting, Wood says.
“If you think of any well known bookstore like Powell’s or The Strand or City Lights, they’re community hubs,” he says. “It’s like the intersection of art and culture, literacy and music.”
Wood has spent much of his post-military life selling books, both online and in pop–ups across Norfolk. His shelves are instantly recognizable to patrons of Ten Top, Not for the Weak Records, LeGrand Kitchen and 80/20 Burger Bar. He’s also a frequent seller at local events like the monthly Norfolk Flea Market.
When he first saw the space directly below his own artist loft was available for rent, he knew he had to make the transition he’s always dreamed of.
“I saw the place was for rent and I said, ‘that could be a bookstore.’ This is the kind of space I’ve always looked for.”
And on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 at noon, the dream will come true as Wands hosts its grand opening to the public, complete with raffles, giveaways and special deals on books. Wood says he will buy books from customers most business days, offering store credit in exchange.
As for the name, Wands Books has two meanings. Firstly, it’s an acronym for” Wood And Son Books,” but it also resonates because, as Wood says, “reading is magic. You’re communing with thoughts and people over time and space. It’s literal practical magic.”
Follow Wands Books on Instragram at @wandsbooks.
