A new chapter is beginning in downtown New Haven with the grand opening of Story Haven, a community-oriented used bookstore and gathering space founded by local resident Jill McCray.
City of New Haven news release:
New Haven’s Story Haven Opens This Saturday with Open House Celebration
New Haven, Indiana (October 23, 2025) — A new chapter is beginning in downtown New Haven with the grand opening of Story Haven, a community-oriented used bookstore and gathering space founded by local resident Jill McCray. The store will host an Open House this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcoming readers, neighbors, and book lovers to explore its shelves and spirit of connection.
For McCray, Story Haven is the realization of a lifelong passion for books and community. “Books helped me through some tough times as a child,” she said. “I would climb a willow tree and read all day. I love everything about books—how they smell, how they feel, how authors have the talent to create images and emotions. It’s true art.”
Beyond books, Story Haven revives a beloved small-town tradition—the “Card Room.” In McCray’s hometowns of Antwerp and Hicksville, Ohio, the Card Room was where farmers and townspeople gathered daily to play cards, drink coffee, and share stories. “Those places have faded away,” McCray explained. “I wanted to bring that concept back. Story Haven offers tables and chairs for people to work, read, socialize, and tell their own stories. My hope is that people find it inviting—a place to belong.”
Story Haven specializes in used and salvaged books as part of a sustainable approach. McCray is passionate about giving old books new life and curating a thoughtful mix of titles—from classics and poetry to banned books and hidden gems overlooked by bestseller lists. “There are so many wonderful books, even from 100 years ago, that deserve to be read,” she said.
McCray envisions Story Haven as more than a bookstore—it’s a community hub. Plans include book clubs, readings, and outreach programs such as visiting nursing homes to share stories. “It’s how we bond as humans,” she said. “If we can bring people together through books and conversation, we’ll be doing something meaningful.”
Join Story Haven for its Open House this Saturday, 11 a.m.–4 p.m., to meet Jill, explore the space, and celebrate a new local gathering spot for readers and storytellers alike.
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We are looking forward to visiting your new store. What are your regular hours – thanks
Contact the store.