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Building Community Through Books: The Journey of Monkey and Dog Book Shop
In 2013, Shelley Lowe decided to pursue her passion for children’s literature by launching Monkey and Dog Book Shop, a small bookstore nestled within a gourmet products store in Fort Worth, Texas. This 120-square-foot space served as a foundation for her vision of fostering a love for reading among children.
Reflecting on her motivation, Lowe stated, “I wanted to get more children reading books. At that time, Fort Worth lacked independent bookstores, apart from a second-hand one. Our city is too large not to have a community bookstore, so I thought I could run this for a few years until my husband retired.”
Fast forward to twelve years later, and her initial plans have dramatically evolved. Lowe’s husband, now retired, actively contributes to the bookstore alongside Lowe and a team of four employees. In 2018, Monkey and Dog Book Shop made a significant leap by relocating to a more spacious 2,500-square-foot venue situated in Fort Worth’s cultural district, adjacent to three notable art museums. This transition has allowed the shop to expand beyond its original scope, transforming it into a bustling general bookstore featuring an extensive children’s section.
The shop’s growth and commitment to the community have not gone unnoticed. Customer Lee Cochenour lauded Monkey and Dog in a nomination for Bookstore of the Year, highlighting its role as a genuine community hub. “The shop has five monthly book clubs encompassing various ages and interests,” he remarked. Cochenour commended the store’s efforts to engage local schools and its rich programming, noting, “Regular customers are welcomed by name, and a friendly dog from a nearby business often drops by for a visit. It feels like a place where everyone belongs.”
Lowe attributes the store’s inviting atmosphere partly to its curated selection. Notably, Monkey and Dog intentionally refrains from stocking political titles in its inventory of 16,000 books, allowing customers to place special orders for those titles if desired. “I want our patrons to feel relaxed and immersed in a story when they visit,” she explained. “While discussing politics is essential, those conversations could dominate the environment, and I prefer to steer clear of that dynamic.”
Monkey and Dog Book Shop stands as a testament to the power of independent bookstores in enriching community life and promoting literacy. With a dedicated team and a welcoming environment, the shop continues to flourish, embodying Lowe’s original mission of encouraging children to explore the world through books.
A version of this article appeared in the 04/21/2025 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline:
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