ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Henry Padron-Morales is always on the move. As a co-owner of Hipocampo Books, he’s putting that energy to good use.

“I’m a high energy person. When I retired, I couldn’t imagine sitting on a couch," said Morales.

Morales spent decades working as a teacher in the Rochester City School District. When he retired, he decided to create a bookstore that represented the students he taught.

“People say 'I speak Urdu, Pashto, Tagalog' ... we turn around and say 'we’re going to get books for you,' " said Morales.

The shelves at Hipocampo are filled with books in 13 different languages. Hanging from the ceiling across the store are flags from countries around the world.

Hipocampo Books opened in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic quickly made staff change how they operate. Morales credits the support from the neighborhood to keeping the store open.

"Support from the community is really one of our foundational pillars," said Morales.

It’s a community that supported Morales, and now he says he’s ready to help them find their story.

“As a bookseller, it’s an incredible feeling to know someone using a book you recommended that way," said Morales.

Hipocampo Books is located in Rochester's South Wedge neighborhood.