Despite the growing popularity of e-readers and audiobooks, print book sales have seen significant growth. According to newprint.com, sales increased by nearly one-fourth between 2014 and 2024. While large chain bookstores face challenges, the demand for the personal touch offered by independent bookstores remains strong. The Prince William area is home to two such establishments: Cozy Calico Books and Sleepy Dragon Books.
Read More
Cozy Calico Books, co-owned by Tracy Blanton, opened in March 2023 in Occoquan. Blanton, who moved to Northern Virginia in 2020, felt a connection to the area, describing it as a homecoming. She found Occoquan early on and appreciated the local shopping options and dining experiences. Inspired by her passion for books and the community, she decided to open a bookstore, creating a space that feels cozy and inviting. A resident calico cat named Checkers has become a beloved presence in the store, attracting customers who come to see her.
Similar to Blanton, Emily Hamby opened Sleepy Dragon Books in Old Town Manassas after moving there in 2020. Following the success of her gluten-free bakery, Honey and Ivy, launched in November 2023, she sought to meet the community’s demand for a bookstore. At Sleepy Dragon, Hamby focuses primarily on fantasy genres, noting that roughly 40-50 percent of the store's inventory falls within that category.
Both bookstores are committed to fostering community engagement. Cozy Calico Books hosts book clubs, creative writing classes, and story times, offering opportunities for children to meet real authors, which Blanton emphasizes as crucial for nurturing a love of reading. Meanwhile, Sleepy Dragon Books partners with the Manassas Rotary to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, providing free monthly books to children ages five and under.
These independent bookstores not only enhance the local book-shopping experience but also play vital roles in promoting literacy within the community. Blanton encapsulates their mission: "We believe that books teach empathy, joy is an act of resistance, and community is more important than ever."
Cozy Calico Books is located at 199 Union Street in Occoquan and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sleepy Dragon Books is situated at 9101 Center Street in Historic Downtown Manassas, operating Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.