Have you ever imagined stepping inside a book nook straight off the shelf? A small, cozy space with warm, dimmed lights, shelves of books and plants, and a nature-like feel.

The Nook Bookstore Cafe recently opened in far East El Paso, at 3260 N. Zaragoza Road, Suite B201, bringing that cozy atmosphere to the city’s growing collection of independent bookstores .

"We really wanted it to feel like you're coming into your friend's house, said Castillo." You're just hanging out in the living room, just reading a book, drinking a smoothie or a tea."

Mandy Castillo and Elias teamed up to open a bookstore cafe after noticing fine arts programs were being cut across El Paso schools.

Castillo ran a food truck called Planted Earth for seven years, specializing in healthy eats such as acai bowl

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