Sip wine while you pour over a well-worn novel in this cozy NY vintage book shop

Chris Potter, Hornell Evening Tribune
·4 min read

Tori Koch grew up making trips to the Used Book Shop on Wellsville’s Main Street, uncovering hidden gems that would have her lost within their pages for the next few weeks.

The book shop has been closed for years — Prima Salon now occupies the space — but it left Koch with more than just fond memories.

“I used to love that whole atmosphere and finding treasures like you could never find in a new book store,” Koch recalled. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have a cozy little bookstore.”

Koch is a few days from making that dream a reality — with a twist.

Tori Koch is opening Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center at 86 Main St. in Wellsville on Aug. 19.
Tori Koch is opening Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center at 86 Main St. in Wellsville on Aug. 19.

Koch is opening Book Cellars at 86 N. Main St., combining a vintage book shop with a wine bar and event venue. A soft opening for family and friends is set for Saturday, with the grand opening for the public scheduled for Aug. 19 from 5-10 p.m.

Koch, a Wellsville native and former special education teacher, said the wine bar and the book shop will complement one another in a unique visitor experience.

“We have breweries and cideries, but a lot of people are excited to have something specifically for wine, too,” said Koch. “There's been so much support from the community and lots of love. People I don't even know are donating books. We're so thankful. People say they've been looking for a used book store for years.”

What to know about Book Cellars

This room at Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center in Wellsville, offers views of Main Street. The business is opening Aug. 19.
This room at Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center in Wellsville, offers views of Main Street. The business is opening Aug. 19.

Book Cellars is located in the historic Rockwell's building, in the space most recently occupied by Alan Hills Carpets. It's just across the street from the old Used Book Shop. A quick tour was all Koch needed to know she’d found the right place for her venture.

The space features a display area and a reading room with Main Street views, an enclosed gift shop, a large, open space for book sales and events, and a separate area in the back for the wine bar.

“It’s nice because if people want to socialize in there and have a more rowdy space, that’s perfect, we’ll have lots of seating,” said Koch, “and then we’ll have more of a quiet area with the cozy, read a book, drink a glass of wine or coffee vibe. We’re trying to offer something for everyone.”

A peek inside Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center on Main Street in Wellsville opening Aug. 19.
A peek inside Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center on Main Street in Wellsville opening Aug. 19.

Family and friends have helped remodel the space to fit Koch’s vision for a “dark and moody, academia vibe.” She has spent several months collecting vintage furniture to decorate the building.

“We’re hoping it will be a nice, cozy space that people haven’t really seen around here,” said Koch. “We want a mix of a historic, back-in-time feel while also being modern.”

Books, wine, food, events at new Main Street venue

The rear entrance to Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center on Main Street in Wellsville opening Aug. 19.
The rear entrance to Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center on Main Street in Wellsville opening Aug. 19.

Book Cellars will feature a light food menu with charcuterie boards filled with items like cheese, bread, fruit and chocolate. Pizza, pasta and sandwiches may be added as well. Koch is finalizing which wines the business will carry, with the goal to feature drinks produced in New York state.

Book Cellars hopes to partner with local restaurants to do catering for events like baby showers, bridal showers and birthday parties. Koch aims to make the space come alive with events, craft workshops and book club meetings.

Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center on Main Street in Wellsville, features vintage furniture.
Book Cellars, a new used book shop, wine bar and events center on Main Street in Wellsville, features vintage furniture.

A romance book club is in the works, and an author has already agreed to host a book signing at the venue.

“Pop culture is all about the movies or TV shows, which I love too, but there's a lot of hidden book lovers out there,” said Koch. “Now, people are saying, ‘Hey, I love to read books, too.’ We're getting this community of people together.”

More: Wellsville couple's revival of McKean County Raceway off to fast start in Smethport, Pa.

Book Cellars basics

Book Cellars will be open from 5-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday after the Aug. 19 grand opening. It will accept used books for buy-sell-trade.

The book shop will feature all genres save for children’s books, while the gift shop will carry book and wine-themed merchandise, products from local artisans, and dog bandanas crafted by Koch’s side business.

The wine bar at Book Cellars on Main Street in Wellsville features exposed brick for a vintage appearance.
The wine bar at Book Cellars on Main Street in Wellsville features exposed brick for a vintage appearance.

Koch credits her entrepreneurial spirit to her mother, who owns Southern Tier Home Medical Supplies and Gardner Fire Equipment.

“I’ve always wanted to support women-owned businesses and open up my own someday,” said Koch. "I've gotten a lot of tips from her.”

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Wellsville's newest Main St business blends book shop and wine cellar