In a digital world where we have seen ourselves doing everything virtually -- working, reading, collaborating, socializing, and even attending concerts online -- there is something comforting and grounding about a physical bookstore. While it's true that we can get nearly anything we need on a screen now, most of us crave the tangible, whether it is the feel of paper in our hand, the sound of a live band, or simply a real in-person conversation. In the heart of Wilmington, Delaware, Huxley & Hiro Booksellers is bringing books back to the community; but in truth, it is doing so much more, and we are here for it.

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In 2018, downtown Wilmington’s only bookstore closed its doors, leaving a void just as the area was beginning to experience a sort of cultural revival - a renaissance if you will. The co-founders of Huxley & Hiro saw a strong need for a new book and gift store, but as owner Dr. Claire van den Broek puts it, one with a “strong social mission of strengthening the arts in downtown Wilmington and serving a diverse population.”

The dream was to create a space that would serve not only as a retail outlet but as a venue for the arts. In Van den Broek’s words, “As a woman and LGBTQ-owned bookstore, we aim to provide a welcoming and inspiring space for those who love literature.”

Named for the co-founders’ pets, Huxley (a Maine Coon feline with his own Instagram following) and Hiro (a “woolly” Shiba Inu who also goes by the moniker, “Mayor of Market Street”), the focus here is on connection, community-building, and giving back. In just a short time, these efforts were recognized by Delaware’s largest newspaper, The News Journal, in which the co-founders were named “Most Influential Delawareans” in the category of business.

Giving back to the community takes many forms for Huxley & Hiro, from a portion of profits being donated to charity to the bookstore space being made available to non-profits and other groups as a performing arts venue and meeting space. It is a place where the local Junior League can hold a fundraiser, local artists can display their work, an organization can collaborate with the local arts college to educate students on branding and marketing, and so much more.

Stepping inside the shop, visitors find themselves surrounded by a world of books of all kinds, puzzles, games, postcards, candy, art, local souvenirs, and plenty of other things to discover.

Every week Huxley & Hiro hosts a variety of different events, including book readings and signings, comedy shows, open mic nights, “Blues Jam” sessions, art talks, rotating exhibits, fundraiser pop-ups, and more.

Van den Broek says her favorite part of owning a business is meeting fellow members of the community and hearing their stories. She likens downtown Wilmington to “'Cheers,' where everybody knows your name,” and Huxley & Hiro is becoming a big part of that.

Many thanks to Dr. Claire van den Broek, owner of Huxley & Hiro Booksellers for sharing the story of this wonderful small business in Delaware. Learn more and support this delightful Delaware bookstore by visiting the Huxley & Hiro Booksellers website and Facebook page.

Of course, Huxley & Hiro is one of many amazing businesses in Delaware that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Delaware, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Delaware on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.