Capital Books

Capital Books, the Crest Theater’s newest neighbors, opened its doors Monday for its soft opening. Owner Heidi Rojek said she and her husband Ross, who’s also an owner, are still working on stocking more than 3,000 books and building shelves and displays. Though the opening was low-key, Rojek said the bookstore attracted customers right away. “So many people came in on Monday,” she said. Most have encountered the Rojeks’ 7-year-old pitbull mastiff, Lily, the store’s “greeter” who has a bed behind the register. Rojek said she expects the dog to mostly charm children who come by for books in the children’s section toward the back of the store. The 1,400-square-foot ground-floor space is the only part of the former Smith Gallery site that’s occupied so far, but eventually Capital Books hopes to expand into the second floor and basement. The Rojeks are also working on launching their online store as they receive new books. Other upcoming events include an invitation-only grand opening party that will be Great Gatsby-themed and collaborations with Crest Theater. Capital Books is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Contact: Rojek, heidi@capitalbooksonk.com.