Copper Cat Books: Where Stories Live and Readers Belong

A couple’s love for books blossoms into Henderson’s most charming community bookstore.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Copper Cat Books isn't just the scent of old pages or the quiet hum of conversation. It’s how it feels. Cozy, welcoming, a little whimsical. A place that makes you want to slow down, run your fingers across the spines of stories long forgotten, and maybe lose yourself for a while.

Owner Wendy Marcisofsky stands behind the counter, chatting with a customer who just popped in to say hello. “Sometimes, people come in and spend hours here, just talking,” she says with a warm smile. “And then they browse, and they usually leave with a book or two. But even if they didn’t, that connection still matters.”

From Page Lovers to Store Builders

Wendy and her husband are both lifelong readers. Their relationship, like the pages of a good book, was built on a shared love for stories. Originally from Vermont, Wendy grew up surrounded by books, with family members reading to her from the moment she could hold her head up. That passion for reading stayed with her throughout her life.

When the couple moved to Nevada in 2001, they began dreaming of opening a bookstore. They explored taking over existing stores, including one in Florida, but nothing felt quite right. After a series of personal losses that altered their plans, they made a bold decision. Instead of finding the perfect bookstore, they would create one.

In December 2017, they opened Copper Cat Books in Henderson. “We created it from scratch,” Wendy says. “The space used to be a children's arts and crafts shop. We tore it down to the concrete because the flooring had formaldehyde. We sealed it, put in a brand-new floor, and began building.”

They drove to Los Angeles to salvage bookcases from an old Waldenbooks store. Every shelf and every corner was carefully curated to feel unique, part bookstore, part gift shop, part cozy reading nook. They added whimsical decorations, literary-themed trinkets, and costume jewelry to round out the space.

It wasn’t just about selling books. It was about creating a world where readers of all kinds could feel at home.

Resilience Written in Ink

Like many small businesses, Copper Cat Books was tested early. Just a little over a year after opening, the pandemic hit. Wendy had to close the store for nearly three months.

“It was terrifying at first,” she recalls, “but our customer base is phenomenal. They rallied around us.”

To stay afloat, Wendy and her team pivoted quickly. They started doing video tours of the store’s inventory, featuring different genres each day. “Sci-fi one day, historical fiction the next. We kept showing up on Facebook so people wouldn’t forget us.”

Their mail order business surged. They created a bond with the community that wasn’t based on sales alone, but on the shared love of books and staying connected in uncertain times.

Another lesson Wendy learned the hard way was that opening your doors isn’t enough. “Just because you open the door doesn’t mean people will come in. You have to invite them in, make it warm, make it personal, and never stop putting your name out there.”

A Bookstore with Heart

Today, Copper Cat Books is more than a bookstore. It’s a literary hub. They host author signings almost every weekend, and they never take a commission from the authors.

“We want them to be successful,” Wendy explains. “We also carry some of their books afterward so customers can still find them even if they missed the event.”

Recently, they launched a YouTube channel where they conduct professional author interviews. Once again, there is no charge to the authors. “As long as they’re doing a signing, we’re happy to feature them.”

The store also holds pet adoptions, book drives, and is exploring new event ideas such as trivia nights and karaoke. The goal, Wendy says, is to make the store feel alive, not just a place to shop, but a place to gather.

“We decided from day one to carry books people want to read, not what we think they should read,” Wendy says. “I’m more into fiction, my husband’s more nonfiction, but we carry everything from soup to nuts.”

Behind the scenes, the couple maintains a warehouse in Boulder City with nearly 80,000 books. About 60,000 of them are inventoried and searchable. If a customer doesn’t find a title in the store, the team can locate it in the database and have it delivered to the shop. This kind of thorough, customer-first service keeps people coming back.

Every Book Has a Reader

One of Wendy’s favorite customer stories came from a mother struggling to get her son to read. The boy, around 12 or 13, just wasn’t interested in books.

“I asked what he liked,” Wendy remembers. “We talked, and I recommended a series. She bought the first couple books.”

A few weeks later, the mother returned, nearly in tears.

“She said he devoured the books. She bought the rest of the series. That moment felt amazing. Helping someone discover the joy of reading? That’s everything.”

It’s those little moments that make the bookstore more than a business. It’s personal. And Wendy’s team, she says, makes all the difference.

“We’ve gone through some financial hardship recently, but we’ve got new people now who are deeply engaged. They care. That kind of passion is hard to find, and it changes everything.”

Built with the Community in Mind

At Copper Cat Books, customers aren’t just customers. They’re part of something larger. People come in to browse, chat, share a laugh, or just take a breath.

“We have people who visit just to talk. They’ll stay two or three hours, chatting with us, then mosey around. Sometimes they leave with books, sometimes not. But that’s okay. We love that they feel at home here.”

That sense of community shows in every decision Wendy makes. She regularly allows people to hang community posters in the window. Events are rarely about sales. They’re about joy, connection, and discovery.

If you ask her why people should visit Copper Cat Books instead of a chain or online giant, her answer is simple: “Our prices are reasonable. Our selection is fantastic. We’re easy to get to, and we’ll help you find the book that fits you.”

Her motto is equally memorable. “Every book is perfect for somebody, just not for everybody.”

Turning the Page on What’s Next

Looking ahead, Wendy sees even more opportunities to grow. They’re in the middle of updating the website, which will soon allow customers to browse and order books online from anywhere in the country.

She’s also considering opening the massive warehouse for public sales. It will take some logistical planning, but the idea is already gaining interest.

Meanwhile, the store’s social media presence continues to flourish. They’re active on Facebook, Instagram (@coppercatbooksnv), TikTok, and YouTube (@CopperCatBooks). They even run special sales that are only accessible to followers, often using a fun password or code word that customers say in-store to redeem discounts.

In the short term, Wendy’s main goal is simple: stay on track. After a tough financial stretch, the business is picking up again, thanks to a passionate, capable team that believes in the mission.

“Everyone is working toward the same goal,” she says. “And I truly believe we’ll get there.”

A Bookstore Worth Visiting, Again and Again

Whether you're looking for a rare read, an eventful weekend activity, or just a quiet place to browse and be, Copper Cat Books is worth the visit.

“Come by and say hello,” Wendy invites. “Maybe you’ll find a book. Maybe you’ll find a new friend. Either way, we’re happy to see you.”

Visit them at www.coppercatbooks.com, follow them on Instagram at @coppercatbooksnv, and check out their YouTube channel @CopperCatBooks to stay updated on author events, new arrivals, and special offers.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.