Mockingbird Books opened in mid-June in the sturdy brick VFW Great Hall in Green Lake's small business district on Woodlawn Avenue North. The former VFW lounge was gutted and now boasts exposed brick walls, a tot-sized chalk table up front, and a cafe in the corner of the room, so you can browse the deep selection of kids' books while remaining properly caffeinated.
There's more to come next year. Manager Geeta Teredesai gave me a sneak peek of the gorgeous auditorium upstairs, currently occupied by another tenant. When that tenant leaves, the space (20-foot ceilings! huge windows! intact period touches! a stage!) will be transformed into a venue for community events.
For now, you can drop by daily at 11 a.m. (except Sundays) for story time with the friendly Geeta, and put the Aug. 31 grand opening celebration on your calendar. Sherman Alexie will be there, and Recess Monkey performs at 3 p.m. The show will be held in the auditorium, so you can get a look at the room in all its pre-renovation glory.