Auntie's Bookstore in Spokane, Wash., has been sold. Effective today, John Waite, owner of Merlyn's comics and games store, takes over the nearly 40-year-old independent bookshop from co-founders Shannon Ahern and Chris O'Harra.
In announcing the change of ownership, Waite explained: "Recently Chris hoped to pass Auntie's on to someone that would treat it with the love and respect it deserves. I am excited to take on the legacy of Auntie's, and build it into a 21st century bookstore for Spokane. So as of June 1st I will be working there with the current staff to bring you the best experience possible. And we want your help and support.
"We want Auntie's to be the local place for your book and literature needs. While times are tough with Internet competition, I think of bookstores as cultural and creative centers for our community. I want Auntie's and Merlyn's to be places to dream about, create and explore the universe. I am dedicated to making them hubs for local community activities. And I am dedicated to making the inclusive and open to everyone. These are stores for all people to enjoy and be part of. And this is just the start of a sort of community ownership of local commerce. I want to work with Spokane to make Auntie's and Merlyn's the stores we need here in Spokane."