It's been years since Warren had its own book shop, but a new entry into the market is getting a warm reception since it opened during Warren Walkabout last month.

Ink Fish Books, at 488 Main St., occupies a sunny corner spot across Joyce Street from Delekta's. Proprietor Lisa Valentino, who spent years working in newspapers, opened the store to fulfill what she saw as a real need in Warren: A true independent book store and community hub.

"A big part of it is the community involvement and the connecting of all the great artists, food entrepreneurs and the readers and thinkers," she said. "The community feedback and support so far is amazing. I feel that I really did fill a need here in this town."

Ink Fish gets it's name from ink (for obvious reasons) and fish, as Warren's roots lie in seafaring and fishing.

As an independent book store, Ms. Valentino's shop stocks a wide selection of best sellers, independent releases, a high quality used book section and also a large representation of food-related titles. She can order any title and stocks locally-made or sourced products, many of which came to her during talks she had this past year with Hope and Main, Warren's food incubator. Her shelves are stocked with products made by some Hope and Main "incubees" as well as other local food producers and artists; that tie to the local community, she said, was very important as she planned the focus of Ink Fish:

"People want to support local," she said. "There is so much to offer locally and it should be supported."

Inside, Ink Fish is bright and airy, with a series of bartop tables and chairs lining the wall along Joyce Street. Those will soon be moved out of the way for a new 20-foot live edge wooden bartop currently being built by Water Street Woodworking.

"The idea is for people to come in, sit down, grab some books off the shelves and peruse them," she said.

Though the younger generation is known for its eschewing of print media for digital, she said she has been happy to see many younger customers come in and grab a book off the shelves.

"They want to hold that printed book in their hands," she said. "It's amazing when they come in and run to the kid's section."

"People feel really comfortable when they come in," she said. "It's not a traditional bookstore; it's meant to become a community hub. My mission is to put a book in everyone's hand."

"My curation is very specific; I drilled down to find the best sellers in this area, award winners and local authors. Everything you pick off my shelves is going to be a great read."

Ink Fish is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays noon to 4 p.m. It is closed Mondays.