A new source of supernatural and horror-themed items has arrived on Lehi Main Street in the form of Nocturnal Nook Novelties. The shop, which opened on July 15, offers a curated collection of books and unusual finds for curious minds.
Located at 155 W. Main St., the bookstore was founded by Michelle Mooney, a lifelong horror enthusiast. The shop's inventory includes a range of materials from lift-the-flap books like "Mothman Baby!" for children to YA graphic novels, sci-fi stories, and "splatterpunk" books. Mooney curates the collection herself, aiming for a mixture of spooky and whimsical items.
In addition to books, the store sells various collectibles including t-shirts, stickers, activity books, plushies, stationery, puzzles, and tarot decks. One unique shopping option offered is a "blind date with a book," where items are wrapped so the cover is hidden, but a dating profile detailing the genre, Goodreads rating, and premise is provided.
Mooney, who has wanted to own a bookstore for approximately 10 years, noted that the business began as a pop-up shop at local markets in February of this year. She attributed the rising popularity of physical media to younger generations' interest in beautiful special editions and the desire for unaltered source content compared to digital media.
Beyond retail, Mooney intends for the store to serve as a community space. Her long-term goals include expanding to a larger space where people can sit and hang out, and eventually establishing multiple locations throughout the state.
Mooney stated that her mission is to create a supportive environment, drawing from her own personal experiences with homelessness to encourage others facing difficulties. She expressed a desire to employ people who may struggle with self-worth or finding work, emphasizing that the store is intended to be a welcoming place for individuals from all backgrounds and income levels.
For more information, including store hours and special events such as author signings, customers can visit nocturnalnooknovelties.com or follow @nocturnalnooknovelties on Instagram.
