City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, May 30, 2019) – Mayor Lovely A. Warren is pleased to welcome Hiopcampo Children’s Bookstore to Rochester’s South Wedge Neighborhood under the ownership of Pamela Bailie and Henry Padrón.
“With its focus on children’s learning and the celebration our city’s rich diversity of cultures and languages, Hipocampo Bookstore will be a wonderful addition to the Rochester community,” said Mayor Warren. “It is always inspiring to see our citizens take their ideas to the marketplace and develop innovative business models. I am looking forward to watching Hipocampo Bookstore grow and thrive in our city and contribute to our efforts to create more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities.”
“Our goal is to develop a space that is welcoming to people of all backgrounds,” said Pamela Bailie. “We believe that children should be able to find books that both reflect their own lives and give them an open doorway into worlds that they may never have fathomed.”
Director of Development Services Dana Miller joined owners Pamela and Henry Thursday to celebrate the store’s grand opening at 638 South Ave.
Hipocampo Children’s Books is an independent children’s bookstore that offers a unique collection of books and is dedicated to selling materials that reflect the many cultures and languages found within the city of Rochester.
Hipocampo will host children’s programs, classes and author signings. In an effort to appeal to all ages, the store will also host events for adults who love children’s books, book clubs featuring wine and cheese and poetry nights.
Henry is retired Kindergarten teacher with more than 30-years in the Rochester City School District. He is also an artist and poet with experience working with children from many cultures and languages. Pamela is a grant writer and program coordinator who specializes in reducing health disparities. Her skills in grant writing and budget development played a key role in creating the store’s business plan.
The store is open Tuesday through Friday 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekend hours are yet to be determined. Pamela and Henry are currently the only employees.
To learn more, visit hipocampochildrensbooks.com
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News Media: For more information, contact Press Officer Jessica Alaimo at 428-7135.