Novel Rose has opened as the newest addition to downtown Foley.

Settled next door to the Book Exchange of Foley along West Laurel Avenue, the two are connected through the back, with Novel Rose providing a place to gather and socialize, whether it be stopping for a drink, catching up on a book or playing a board game with friends.

Luke DeMay, who runs both the Book Exchange and the Novel Rose, said they opened the place to allow readers to hang out and give them something extra than just a used bookstore. Described as a book bar, they encourage both hardcore and casual readers to gather there to share their love of books and literature while enjoying their selection of snacks, local beer and wine.

“I hope to see everybody come in and give us a visit,” DeMay said. “We really want it to be a social experience for the community where people can interact more instead of getting on social media apps and that kind of thing, to start experiencing social interactions again.”

Novel Rose is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from noon to 8 p.m.