Not every independent bookshop has a resident cat, a rotating lineup of events, and a good cup of tea waiting for you, but MonkeyKat Books isn’t every bookshop. Opened in 2024 by Sanford native Katheryn Rice, MonkeyKat’s shelves are stocked with thoughtfully curated selections spanning fiction, nonfiction, children’s books, local interests, and the arts. Moreover, the shop doubles as a true third place—somewhere to read, connect, attend a workshop, join a book club, or decompress over a cup of tea. Oh, and don’t forget to say hi to their most popular employee, Monkey the cat!