On curating third spaces: inside Well Read

Kaitlyn Davies, Founder of Well Read

Find Your Place Between the Pages at Well Read

When Kaitlyn Davies opened the door to Well Read, it wasn’t just about creating another bookstore; it was about filling a gap in her own life. "I was dying to have a space where I could put a key into a door, and it wasn’t my apartment," Kaitlyn laughs, recalling her time spent working remotely in Lisbon. "You kind of feel like there's another space for you."

For Kaitlyn, it became clear that Lisbon lacked a place to escape from the routine of home and work, a neutral zone where people could meet, unwind and connect. Inspired by the hybrid spaces she adored in New York—places like Spoonbill & Sugartown and Molasses Books—she decided to build a community-centred bookstore that embodied that same spirit of openness.

Kaitlyn envisioned Well Read as a place where people could browse thoughtfully curated shelves, engage in impromptu discussions, grab a coffee or enjoy a glass of wine. She wanted the store to be inviting, offering more than just books—it's a destination where people could spend time outside of home or work. "It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, where they can project themselves onto what they see," she says, pointing out how visitors often describe Well Read as a feminist bookstore, event space or café. It's a place that invites personal interpretation.

The Concept

Well Read is designed as a third space, a concept that’s at the heart of the store. Kaitlyn believes that bookstores shouldn’t just be places to browse and leave. "You have to teach people certain behaviors," she explains. "People don’t necessarily think to come and hang out in a bookstore." So, she set out to break that mold, creating a space where visitors could comfortably linger. The layout of Well Read is intentional: a cozy reading room for getting lost in a book, a display room for art and striking titles, and a communal space where events and gatherings bring the bookstore to life.

Walking into Well Read feels like stepping into an environment where books, art, and people naturally come together. Kaitlyn calls the design deeply intentional: "I wanted a space where people feel seen." And it’s working. Visitors find themselves lingering longer, often having conversations that extend beyond the pages in their hands.

Community and Connection

Community is central to Kaitlyn’s vision, but she approaches the term with a healthy dose of skepticism. "You can’t guarantee a community—you can only set the conditions for it to grow," she reflects. The success of Well Read lies in its ability to foster organic connections. "There are people I know because of this store, and there are people who know each other because of this store. That’s all you can ask for," Kaitlyn says. She’s seen relationships grow out of chance encounters over books or at events—a testament to the power of third spaces to create unexpected bonds.

While Well Read aims to provide a gathering place, it also serves as a space for critical thought. Kaitlyn describes it as a "critical theory bookstore disguised in sheep’s clothing," where the selection of books is carefully chosen to spark meaningful discussion. "You can make people feel seen by the way you curate books, events, even wine," she says. Whether it’s a thought-provoking title or an event that challenges perspectives, the store is about fostering an environment where people feel understood and represented.

More Than Just a Bookstore

Supporting an independent space takes more than just showing up—it requires active engagement. To help sustain Well Read, Kaitlyn introduced a book club as a modern form of patronage, inviting people to invest in the space at a more personal level. 

"It’s about supporting a space in a way that goes beyond buying a coffee or a book," she explains. The club offers tiered membership options, giving members access to discounted books, curated selections, and exclusive events. It’s a way for visitors to deepen their connection with Well Read while contributing to its growth.

What’s Next?

Kaitlyn’s vision for Well Read is far from finished. As the store continues to evolve, she plans to introduce film nights, quarterly art shows, and pop-ups across Portugal and beyond. "I’ve always felt that it’s more than just a bookstore—it’s a brand," she says, excited about the possibilities of expanding the Well Read experience beyond Lisbon.

Ultimately, Well Read is not just a third space. It’s a nod to the power of intention, curiosity, and connection. Kaitlyn’s work shows that when spaces are designed with care and purpose, they can leave a lasting impact.

Well Read, Lisbon