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Neighborhood Reads Opens in Missouri

Washington, Missouri, is now home to Neighborhood Reads bookstore, which held its grand opening on Thursday, June 15, reported The Missourian.

Dawn Kitchell and her husband, Eric, purchased a 119-year-old home, often referred to as “the little yellow house,” for their bookstore. While this is Kitchell’s first time running a retail business, she worked in newspapers for 30 years.

“My dream has always been to promote reading,” said Kitchell. “That’s my dream, and I felt like this piece, a bookstore, was missing from our community. I’ve waited for years for somebody to open one here, and finally I just decided, if nobody is going to do it, then I’m going to do it.”

The nearly 1,800-square-foot store carries an array of titles as well as gifts and book-related items. Soon, the store’s Adopt-a-Bookshelf program will allow a sponsor to adopt a shelf, and Kitchell will fill it with titles they select. “It’s a way to help us develop a more diverse collection than just our own personal reading tastes,” Kitchell said.

Belmont Books Debuts in Massachusetts

Chris Abouzeid and Kathy Crowley opened Belmont Books in Belmont, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 16, reported the Belmontian.

“We really wanted to open this weekend because of Father’s Day and give people an opportunity to buy their summer reading before leaving town,” said Abouzeid, who was previously a bookseller at Porter Square Books in Cambridge.

The general-interest bookstore is two floors, and features large children’s and young adult sections on its second floor. Abouzeid noted that these days, e-book sales are flattening and people’s preferences, especially those of young people, are tending toward print books. “They are on electronic devices all day long, so a book is more relaxing,” he said.

Bliss Books & Bindery Planned for Oklahoma

Roger Mullins will open Bliss Books & Bindery in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in mid-September, reported the Stillwater News Press. “We want to have a comfortable place where everyone feels welcome,” said Mullins.

The bookstore will join a row of businesses on the block, including Balance Coffee Co. and WorkIT co-working space, which are slated to open in August. The block also features an antique mall, a furniture store, and a photo art gallery.

A Kickstarter campaign is raising money to help Mullins get started. Once up and running, the store will offer events such as readings, book signings, and story times, and the work of local artists and crafters will also be available for purchase. The store will also offer letterpress printing services and bindery and book repair services.

Mullins, who previously ran a small used-book store in California, told the Stillwater News Press that the store’s name is based on a Joseph Campbell quote that his wife, Patricia, is fond of: “Follow your bliss and don’t be afraid.”

Joe’s Place Reopens in New Location

In Greenville, South Carolina, new and used bookstore and coffee shop Joe’s Place will reopen July 1 after moving into a three-story, 4,400-square-foot house in the Pettigru Historic District, reported the Upstate Business Journal.

Co-owner Mary Bernard said the new location aims to be a destination. “Once people find out about us, they’ll come here,” Bernard said. “We want to be a place where people stay and have meetings.”

Bernard worked with architects on necessary structural changes as well as adjustments to make the store ADA accessible. The house features nine rooms for books, as well as a coffee and wine bar.