Short Stories Community Book Hub, Madison, N.J., will be moving across the street, to a larger space in the historic James Building. "The new space is more open and 2,000 square feet," owner Barb Short said. "It hasn't been available for 30 years, and it opened up just as our lease was expiring and the rent at our existing location would be increasing, so while certainly another leap of faith as we establish and work to sustain ourselves as a new bookshop, a rare and wonderful opportunity for us all around!" With the help of a Kickstarter campaign, the store originally opened in September 2014 in a narrow 1,400-square-foot space.
The new layout will have Short Stories' bookshop in the front and a larger, flexible community space and art gallery in the elevated rear section, allowing for both small and large gatherings when the store hosts author readings, musicians, book clubs and other classes and events.
Short said, "We plan to preserve and relocate every bit of our thoughtfully conceived, lovingly Kickstarted and cozy, warm book hub--including all of its sections and dedications--with just a little extra room for it all in an incredible new home."
Built in 1899, the James Building is a historic landmark, an Eclectic Revival style building that has roots as a cultural center. You can see a video of Short signing the lease in her new space here.