Meet the Owner: Sue Lucey of Page 158 Books
What started in 2015 as a dream to bring a cozy, curated bookstore to downtown Wake Forest has grown into so much more. According to Sue and Dave Lucey, Page 158 Books is not only home to shelves filled with stories, signed books, and bookish treasures, it’s also a gathering place for the community.
With July marking 10 years of Page 158 Books bringing the best reads to the community, we asked Sue which section of the store is her favorite. She truly loves every corner, from romance and biographies to mysteries and fantasy, but there’s one area that holds a special place in her heart: the children’s section. With its cozy window nook and kid-sized table, it’s the perfect spot for young readers to discover fun and educational stories, while parents can revisit the beloved tales of their own childhoods.
Escape to Page 158
As soon as you step into Page 158, you are welcomed by the comforting scent of books, coffee, and nostalgia. Stop by the Lemon Tree Café inside the bookstore for a cup of coffee as you wander through the shelves. With story after story and genre after genre, there is always a book waiting to find you at Page 158. Not sure what to pick? Explore staff favorites, book club recommendations, or take a chance on the always-popular Blind Date with a Book.
For an even easier way to discover your next read, try their Subscription Box. Skip the decision fatigue and enjoy a personalized book subscription where every month the team hand-selects a book based on your favorite genres and interests. Each box comes with thoughtful bookish goodies and arrives right at your doorstep, bringing a little piece of Page 158 home to you.
Turn a New Page
Over the past ten years, Sue has learned how to create a bookstore that not only entertains readers but also fosters a true sense of community.
Adult and Youth Book Clubs: Thanks to the Lemon Tree Café inside Page 158, there is a welcoming space for book clubs to gather. In the same cozy area, you can settle in with a good book, catch up with friends, or enjoy live music on Friday nights.
LitFest: Once a year, Page 158 Books hosts LitFest, an event that brings together readers and writers to celebrate books, promote literacy, and raise funds for the nonprofit New Kids on the Books. Guests can meet authors, enjoy cocktails, join trivia games, and bid in the silent auction. (All proceeds go to the non-profit, New Kids on the Books.)
Adult Book Fairs: Held at local breweries, these lively gatherings let you discover new reads, mingle with friends, play games, and enter fun giveaway
Meet the Author Events: Each week, Page 158 welcomes authors into the store. Visitors have the chance to meet them, get books signed, and connect with fellow readers who share the same love of a story. Be sure to check the event schedule to see if one of your favorite authors will be stopping by.
Next time you’re in downtown Wake Forest, stop by, say hi, and experience the magic of Page 158!Â
