LEWISTON – Noreen and Gerry McDaniel love books.

So much so, that when they saw the unused cafe space at Mr. Paperback Bookstore, the wheels – rather than pages – started turning.

Last month, the recent transplants from Phoenix opened L/A Coffee and Wine Bistro in space formerly occupied by Just Joan’s. The pair settled on an all-inclusive format: a warm and welcoming space to eat, drink and listen to live music for all ages, all tastes.

“Our goal is to make it a community thing, a place where kids and their grandparents can come in and listen to live music on a Saturday night,” Gerry said. “We’re not a bar; this is a very nonthreatening environment.”

A case in point: the musicians perform from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings. This week are guitarists/vocalists Shawn Larkin on Friday and Grady Wallace on Saturday.

“You can go out with your family or friends, enjoy the evening and still get a good night’s sleep,” Noreen said.

The bistro’s red-and-black decor creates an air of fun and sophistication, as do the literary references throughout the menu. Customers are invited to kick back and relax with a book, a computer (free Wifi), a latte, lunch or a glass of wine.

“We had a 93-year-old woman here the other day who had a glass of wine with her lunch,” said Noreen, smiling. A selection of red and white wines, as well as Maine, domestic and imported beers are offered to complement the music or the menu.

The fare is weighted toward lunch, with an extensive list of sandwiches, wraps and paninis that come with a side of chips and salsa, penne pasta salad or coleslaw. Homemade soups and salads round out the offerings with a “Footnotes” menu for the 3 to 8 p.m. crowd, which features specialties like quesadillas and bruschetta with spinach, artichoke and cheddar spread. Breakfast sandwiches are also offered for the early crowd, as well as pastries from Falmouth’s European Bakery.

“We have a real emphasis on fresh ingredients, and very high standards,” Noreen said.

“But, at the same time, are very mindful of prices,” followed Gerry. “We’re always trying to find ways to decrease the price, which I know, runs counter to most businesses.”

Prices are modest, with the sandwiches, wraps and paninis starting at $3.95 and topping out at $5.95. Everything on the kids menu is $2.25.

The coffee bar offers a selection of brewed coffee, espresso, latte and cappuccino in three sizes. L/A Coffee and Wine Bistro uses Carpe Diem coffee products, a North Berwick micro-roaster that uses organic, fair trade beans and supports a number of charities.

It’s as philosophy that reflects the McDaniels’ desire to support the community. Their first public function was a wine tasting to benefit the Good Shepherd Food-Bank. They offer a tall coffee for 80 cents to seniors until 11 a.m. every day.

“We’re trying to reach out to everyone,” Gerry said.

They hope to eventually expand the cafe as a place for children’s hours and poetry readings, in addition to the music and libations. But for now, they’re trying to get the word out about L/A Coffee and Wine Bistro and encouraging people to check them out.

“We spent a lot of time to create this space,” Noreen said. “We want people to feel they’re being treated special. This is a getaway.”