Lakeside Bookshop opens at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis

By AI, Created 10:55 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Lakeside Bookshop has opened at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, adding an independent bookstore, events programming, and community gatherings to the mixed-use center in Lake St. Louis, Missouri. The shop is positioned as a new retail and cultural hub for readers, families, and local authors.

Why it matters: - Lakeside Bookshop adds an independent bookstore to The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, expanding the center’s mix of retail, dining, and community programming. - The shop is designed as a gathering place, not just a place to buy books, which gives Lake Saint Louis another year-round destination for readers and families. - The opening strengthens The Meadows’ role as the area’s “downtown” and adds another locally owned business to the property’s tenant mix.

What happened: - Lakeside Bookshop is now open at Suite 108, 10 Meadows Circle Drive in Lake Saint Louis, Missouri. - The bookstore was founded by Audrea Strelo and Maria Higby. - The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, owned and managed by Cohen Equities, announced the store’s arrival on April 20, 2026. - The shop is located next door to Olive Tree Marketplace.

The details: - Lakeside Bookshop carries a curated selection of fiction, nonfiction, children’s books and gift books. - The store highlights works by local authors, artists and small businesses. - Audrea Strelo is a speech pathologist. - Maria Higby brings operational experience from the experiential entertainment sector. - The founders built the store around a mission to create a welcoming community space where readers of all ages can connect. - Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. - More information is available at the bookstore’s website and its events page.

Between the lines: - The opening reflects a broader retail strategy at The Meadows: a curated mix of local businesses that can draw repeat visits, not just one-time shopping trips. - Audrea Strelo said The Meadows’ walkability, nearby businesses and family-friendly customer base made it the right home for the bookstore. - Meir Cohen, chairman and CEO of Cohen Equities, said the store fits the type of locally rooted, thoughtfully curated business the community wants. - The events calendar suggests the shop is aiming to build loyalty through programming as much as through book sales.

What’s next: - Lakeside Bookshop plans recurring monthly events, including the Lakeside Book Club on the third Wednesday, the Lakeside Cookbook Club on the second Wednesday and the St. Charles Silent Book Club on the last Thursday of each month. - May events include a Mother’s Day floral bouquet activity with The Petal Bar and an After Dark “spicy book” readers event. - The shop also plans author readings, craft nights and paint-and-sip events. - The store says events often fill up, so advance registration or ticket purchases are encouraged. - The Meadows is expected to continue using events and independent retailers to reinforce its position as a community hub.

The bottom line: - Lakeside Bookshop gives The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis a new independent anchor that blends books, events and community engagement in one space.