Books & Books to Open in Grand Cayman

Former ABA President Mitchell Kaplan has announced plans to open a branch of Books & Books in the Cayman Islands this fall. The fourth Books & Books store is set to open in November in Camana Bay's Town Centre, a community development spanning 500 acres between Seven Mile Beach and North Sound on Grand Cayman.

Books & Books, which was founded by Kaplan in South Florida in 1982, currently includes locations in Coral Gables, Miami Beach, and the Bal Harbour Shops.

"Our goal is very much in keeping with Camana Bay's vision of creating a diverse community where people can live, work, study, dine, and be entertained, all in close proximity," said Kaplan in a statement.

Plans for the Town Centre include one million square feet offering retail and entertainment venues, a cinema, residential apartments, and garden and commercial offices.

The new Books & Books will be 5,000 square feet designed to reflect traditional and modern Caribbean architectural styles. Inventory will include fine fiction, art and architecture books, poetry and classics, bestsellers, cookbooks, travel guides, and books for children and young adults. Storytelling sessions are also being planned. Cafe del Sol, an internet coffee shop, will adjoin Books & Books.

Kaplan, who is co-founder of Miami Book Fair International, said, "Eventually, I hope we will be able to organize mini book festivals, conferences, and all kinds of cultural events. It's just a one-hour flight from Miami."

Books & Books, which will celebrate the Silver Anniversary of its flagship store in Coral Gables from October 15 - 20, will officially open its doors on Grand Cayman during the Town Centre's opening weekend festivities, planned for November 2 - 4.

"What attracted us to Camana Bay is the sense of community which informs the vision for the project," said Kaplan. "The notion of creating a great, good place is at the heart of all we do. Through exemplary service, selection, and ambience our aim is to serve our community, while at the same time reflecting its very nature and character. I'm confident that we can bring these qualities to the people living on and visiting Grand Cayman."