Circle Time Books & More children’s bookstore opens in Rome, NY

Teri Smith has always loved working with children. 

She has worked in childcare in various ways over the last 35 years, including working as a nurse in military daycares. 

Then, in September of 2014, she opened Group Family Daycare, a business she runs in an addition off of her house. 

Continuing her love of helping children, Smith recently opened a bookstore in Rome called Circle Time Books & More. 

The bookstore — located at 401 North James Street — is geared towards ages 0-12 and the books are carefully chosen for their stories, Smith said. The store sells several books that address social and emotional situations, Smith added.  

The bookstore has other items for sale such as stuffed animals, STEAM boxes, rock crayons and other interesting items, many of which can be paired with a book. 

“I have always loved bookstores and especially children’s bookstores,” Smith said. “I opened it because of the digital age. Children love to be read to, they love to be read to, they love to hold the books and see and touch the pictures. I believe electronics has their place, but I think we start too young with some of these devices.” 

Smith and her husband lived all over the place due to military moves and left Rome for over 30 years. However, she chose to open her bookstore in Rome because she views it as her community and a wonderful place to raise children. 

“Do I miss some places I’ve been? Yes,” Smith said. “But I think there are those who do not know how good they have it here. I hope everyone keeps striving to make it better and better by opening services they love and can offer to our community. For me, it’s children, and I want something for them.”