Azle’s only independent bookshop, The Reading Rabbit, is coming to town with its grand opening Saturday, May 3. The owners, Ronnie and Vicki Rhodus, have lived in Azle since 2023 and will operate the business with their family.

“Azle is home—it’s where we’ve planted roots and where we want to share our love of books with the community,” the owners said. “The Reading Rabbit is a family-run independent bookstore that blends cozy charm and whimsy with dark academia aesthetics.”

Azle is home to many small businesses, so it is fitting for The Reading Rabbit to settle down here.

“Our motivation comes from a deep love of books, family and community,” the owners said. “We want The Reading Rabbit to be a place where readers can find their people, feel inspired and create lasting memories.”

The owner’s son, Joshua Rhodus, and family friend Sammie Jordan, who are sophomores at Azle High School, will operate the bookshop starting in the summer.

“I find it very useful as someone with a reading disorder that they are selling colored overlays to put on the book while you’re reading,” Sammie said. “The bookstore also won’t have fluorescent lights to help with reading.”

The Reading Rabbit is located north of the high school by Hilltop Elementary, and will be a welcoming hangout spot for students.

“We want The Reading Rabbit to be a safe, cozy and inviting space for high school students to relax, browse books, study, cozy up with a new book and make friends!” the owners said. “We’ll also host events, book clubs and author meetups that cater to their interests!”

Learn more about Reading Rabbit on their website and Instagram.