New stores open in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Kansas; a nonprofit preps a bookstore/literary center in North Carolina; and more.
Books & Mortar Opens in Grand Rapids: Although the grand opening isn’t until October 1, Jonathon Shotwell and Chris Roe opened the bookstore earlier this month. They would like it to fill the void left when Schuler’s Books and Music closed its store in downtown Grand Rapids. Although Shotwell and Roe originally intended to open a used bookstore, they changed their minds and are focusing on new books.
Valley Wild Books Opens in Littleton, Mass.: Earlier this month Andrew Marciello opened the mostly used bookstore, which will showcase local authors. The store is named after a line from William Blake.
Emporia, Kans., Bookstore Focuses on Local Authors: Ellen Plumb’s City Bookstore is officially open for business. Marcia Lawrence founded the bookstore following the closure of Town Crier. In addition to books and regional publications, the store will carry magazines and cards and bookmarks made by local artists.
Bookmarks Finds a Space in Winston-Salem: As reported earlier this spring, the 12-year-old nonprofit literary arts organization began a fundraising project to open a bookstore in Winston-Salem, N.C. Now it has found a a 5,000 sq. ft. downtown location for the bookstore, an events space, and a coffee bar and café. The landlord will upfit the space, and Bookmarks plans to open sometime next year.
Deborah Manning, Co-owner of Petunia’s Place, Has Died: Educator Deborah Anne Manning, who co-owned the Fresno, Calif., bookstore, died on September 6. She was 66. A memorial service will be held at St. James Cathedral on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valley Public Radio, 2589 Alluvial, Clovis, CA 93611; or Cat House on the Kings, 7120 S. Kings River Rd., Parlier, CA 93648.
