LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It all started with a book truck. Foxing Books owner Kelly Nusz says they wanted to start small to serve neighborhoods that don’t have bookstores.

“We wanted the truck to be able to serve neighborhoods throughout Louisville and not just one neighborhood,” said Nusz.

Nusz says having a storefront has always been the goal and, after a year, that big next step has finally come.

“It’s been years since a bookstore that sold new books was in this neighborhood. We do have Rosewater down the street and they are used bookstore that’s also a nonprofit. And it’s really nice to be able to collaborate with them and kind of share the neighborhood and create this space for book lovers,” said Nusz.

Foxing Books is turning a former schoolhouse into a bookstore. Its owners are also working on a mobile bookstore that will travel wherever it is needed. (Spectrum News 1/Ashley N. Brown)

Louisville councilwoman Jennifer Chappell, D-District 15, says it’s important to have local businesses in the South End.

“It’s very near and dear to my heart to build up small local businesses because they’re the heart and soul of our community and all the money that we spend in those businesses, I think 55 cents out of every dollar stays within the community,” said Chappell.

The councilwoman says she and Louisville Metro’s economic development team are always looking to strengthen small businesses.

“Making sure that not only businesses are being established, but they’re also able to run year after year. And so making sure that you have the tools at your fingertips in order to have a successful business is really important,” said Chappell.

Nusz says she is happy that Foxing Books can now have a permanent location within the south end community.

“It’s a diverse neighborhood with people from all over the world. And to not invest in this part of the city, I think it’s unfair to the whole city. It’s going to benefit everyone from collectively being a part of the greater pieces of Louisville,” said Nusz.

It’s not book truck season, but once it becomes warmer, the Foxing Books truck will be out providing books throughout neighborhoods in Louisville. The Foxing Books hopes to expand, providing more spaces and places for the community.