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When Alison Frenzel and Kimberly Batson met last year, they bonded over a love of books. Now they’re working to create a downtown spot to draw other book lovers together.

The Waco women are planning to open Fabled Bookstore and Café next summer in a spacious old building at 215 S. Fourth St. They envision a space for 20,000 to 30,000 books, along with a coffee bar, a fun children’s section and event space that will be open to author’s readings and children’s birthday parties.

Opening an independent bookstore in the age of Amazon may seem daunting, but Frenzel and Batson said they’ve done their homework and believe the venture can succeed if it builds a community around it.

Batson said that as co-owner of Heritage Creamery and Common Grounds, she has learned the importance of creating a distinctive, welcoming space where customers feel they belong.

“One of our big drives is having an aesthetic that’s engaging,” Batson said. “When you have places that have culture, that have an atmosphere that set them apart, people are drawn to that. When you pair that with books and people who are passionate about books, it’s a no-brainer.”

Frenzel, whose background is in marketing, advertising and photography, agreed that atmosphere and customer service are key.