Meet The Dynamic Woman Behind Warren's Favorite Destination For Books And More

Hello, my name is Lisa Valentino, founder and owner of Ink Fish Books in Warren, RI, established in October of 2018. I am a native Rhode Islander and have lived in Warren longer than anywhere else, over 30 years.

Lisa At Shop Her Ink Fish Books On At 488 Main Street In Warren.

I founded Ink Fish Books because bookstores tie a community together by offering a space to share the ritual of browsing, thinking, and communicating. I wanted to provide a space to find new ideas and meet new thinkers through books, local makers, artists, and events. I envisioned a neighborhood bookstore that would be a community gathering place where people could connect.

The Ink Fish Books name is inspired by my passion for books and reading, and the community: Ink for the ink on the pages of a book and fish for Warren's roots in fishing and boat building.

I am inspired daily by the people here in Warren and the East Bay area. In this amazing community we support each other. It is my privilege to serve them and continue to bring the best selection of books, local products, and events, and a friendly atmosphere inside the walls of Ink Fish Books. I am here to help lift the community, my friends and neighbors, one person and one book at a time. I believe we all need to have a positive impact on everyone around us in everything that we do.

I am so excited to have created the latest Rhody Reader Book Box for 2021! This book box is an extension of my vision for Ink Fish Books, to showcase local authors and makers in the community, and give back to a local non-profit. We have amazing talent here in little Rhody and for me there is nothing more satisfying than shining a bright light on all of it! This year I teamed up with local author Elizabeth B. Splaine, local blogger Patty J, Aura's Chocolate Bar, Juniper Hill Apothecary, Irene (a local maker of beaded bookmarks) and Books are Wings for the local non-profit!  All the items in the box have been customized to compliment the book Swan Song by Elizabeth B. Splaine. A historical fiction novel, SWAN SONG takes readers through a tale of love, loss and perseverance during WWII. The latest edition of the Rhody Reader Book Box may be purchased here: inkfishbooks.com/packages/bookbox-swansong.

The Rhody Reader Book Box for 2021

What town can boost a bookstore, homemade pasta, olive oil and balsamic tasting, bakeries, vinyl records, galleries, local bars, and restaurants...each as good as the next in a historic waterfront setting...I can go on…and we have more business moving in! They all make our community so special.

Warren has such a funky vibe. I enjoy grabbing oysters at Bywater and sitting out on the gorgeous patio. They have a great menu and the newly added Bakeshop at Bywater with pastries, breads, and special coffees.

One of my favorite events is the Warren Walkabout. It was my grand openning day in October of 2018. Originally held only on one day in October, it now spans 6 weeks of Sundays, which gives people more opportunities to attend. We have artists in the street, musicians, and many of the stores celebrate with special offerings and pop-ups. This year it takes place Sundays from 12 to 4pm, October 24th - November 28th. Come see why Warren is worth it!

If you are looking for more information on what Warren has to offer, check out DiscoverWarren.com.

To keep up with the latest from Lisa & Ink Fish Books, follow @InkFishBooks on Instagram.

Find Ink Fish Books at 488 Main Street in Warren, Rhode Island.

Photo Credits: Photos from Bywater and the Bakeshop at Bywater are courtesy of their IG’s.