DISCOVER OUR STORY
Cottage Books + Beans was created from a simple idea: that everyone deserves a quiet place to slow down, sip something warm, and get lost in a good book. Inspired by cozy lake towns and cottage living, our bookstore is designed to feel less like a retail shop and more like a welcoming living room for readers, writers, and creative thinkers.
Core Goals
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Elevate Community Literacy:
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Host regular literacy programs, book clubs, and author talks that are free and open to the public.
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Partner with local schools and libraries to provide access to books and reading resources for underserved communities.
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Champion Inclusivity:
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Curate a diverse inventory that reflects a wide range of cultures, identities, and perspectives.
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Actively support marginalized authors and publishers through events, features, and promotions.
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Create a Welcoming Space:
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Ensure Lighthouse Books + Co. is physically and emotionally accessible to all—offering sensory-friendly hours, multilingual signage, and staff training in inclusivity.
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Offer pay-it-forward and “community shelf” programs so no one leaves without a book in hand.
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Build Community Through Storytelling:
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Host storytelling events, zine nights, and writing workshops to empower local voices.
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Act as a hub for book lovers to connect across age, background, and experience.
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TEAM
Meet Our People
Ann Stephens
Founder + Creative Director
Hi, I’m Ann.
I’m a teacher, writer, and reader who knows how powerful books can be when life feels heavy. Lighthouse Books + Co. is my dream—part bookstore, part sanctuary, and part creative haven for people who need more calm and more community.
Jennifer Taylor
CFO