MURFREESBORO – The town of Murfreesboro was chartered by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1787. Some 229 years later, this small college town on the Meherrin River will get its first bookstore.

Cultivator: Art, Books, Community will have its opening reception from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19. This event is free and open to the public.

Located at 301 East Main Street, just East of the Elizabeth S. Parker Memorial Library, the new business will be a welcome addition to downtown Murfreesboro.

Cultivator will be a valuable resource to the community and surrounding areas by offering a variety of goods and services at a reasonable price, including new books, used books, children’s books, books by local and regional authors (including Frank Stephenson), text books, pottery and art by local artists (including James Messer), children’s play area, book signings, book clubs, open mic nights, poetry slams, meeting space, WIFI, and fax services. More than just a bookstore, Cultivator has partnered with the Hertford County Arts Council to offer programs for artist and art lovers in the area.

Cultivator is an independent bookstore that will offer many benefits over big box retailers. First, it is locally-owned. Second, the content and collection are specifically curated and tailored to Northeastern North Carolina and Southeastern Virginia patrons. Third, other independent bookstores are located quite some driving distance away. Fourth, by shopping there local dollars are able to stay local. Fifth, it will be a place for book lovers to meet and exchange ideas and information.

Built in 1920, the building had been previously occupied by Hertford County Habitat for Humanity and before that the Murfreesboro Appliance Company.

Questions or for more information, call Caroline Stephenson at 252-395-2327 or Jochen Kunstler at 252-395-0249 or email to cultivatornc@gmail.com or follow Cultivator on Facebook.