PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – What started as a Little Free Library became a first-of-its-kind bookshop. Rhode Island’s first brick-and-mortar romance-only bookstore – The Little Bubblegum Bookshop – opened its doors at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Providence. Erin Massey, 38, launched a space that’s home to hundreds of romance books and other locally made items in partnership with other small businesses.
“I started with a Little Free Library – The Little Bubblegum Book Box – right outside my house,” Massey said. “I curated books I loved, and it just kind of picked up in popularity.”
The Little Bubblegum Book Box eventually gained popularity on social media, giving Massey the idea that this could be something bigger. But she wanted to sell more than just romance books – she wanted to change how people viewed them.
“Romance books have been overlooked because they’ve been seen as fluffy or not ‘literary’ enough,” she said. “I wanted to create a space where people can
say, ‘I love romance books,’ and not be afraid of it – where they can meet others who love them too.”
For the grand opening, Massey gave away a free tote bag to the first 25 people and a free sticker to the first 50 people. She was blown away by the turnout, emphasizing that she had a consistent line of customers all day.
“I didn’t put any money into advertising,” she said. “It’s all been word of mouth. People have been posting about me, and that’s how so many have found the shop.”
Stepping inside felt like such a cozy feeling with the perfect white and blush pink colored walls, several comfy chairs with accent pillows, and decorative wall art that just makes one feel right at home. A lot of things are upcycled or even come from her own home! She recently repurposed an old school library shelf – painting it blush pink and displaying books written by local authors.
“It is really cute,” Gabrielle Elkas of Woonsocket, RI, said. “[Grand opening] was extremely packed, and it was a good stock, even for how many people have been here over the last couple days. I like how she had everything in their own categories, so you could find exactly what you are looking for.”
Along with a wide selection of romance books, The Little Bubblegum Bookshop partners with several small businesses and sells their products in-store, too. From stickers and bookmarks to candles and tote bags – there is something for everyone.
But one of the most popular items comes from Stuck on Forever Sticker Company through their sticker vending machine. For just four quarters, you can be surprised with a hand-drawn bookish sticker made by Cheyenne, the owner. Don’t have quarters with you? Don’t worry! Just let Erin know when you’re checking out, and she’ll provide the quarters!
When looking toward the future, Massey hopes to host author signings and other events like after-hours book clubs! If you have any suggestions, she is open to hearing them.
The Little Bubblegum Bookshop is open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.. To stay up to date with everything at The Little Bubblegum Bookshop, follow them on Instagram and TikTok at @thelittlebubblegumbookshop.
Have more questions? Feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at @itsashleypotvin.
