The Mitten Word Bookshop, Marshall, Mich., has new owners as of May 15. Ginny and Jim Donahue, who opened the bookshop in 2018, announced on Facebook that they have transferred ownership of the business "to the capable hands of Kimberly & Tom Batterson. It's been a plan in the works for several months, well before the recent unsettling events. Tom is a true professional in the field, having served over 15 years as a local bookseller, the last five as senior manager of the Battle Creek Barnes & Noble in the Lakeview Mall. Kimberly brings her expertise as a pre-school teacher and love of childhood literacy to the store. They have three teenagers with a love of books and storytelling! We are extremely proud of what we have done to bring the Mitten Word Bookshop to life and are incredibly grateful to the people of Marshall, Battle Creek, and surrounding areas for their support to date. We are confident support for the store will only increase!"
The Donahues added: "This change is clearly for the best. We are staying in the area, helping out at the store, and our incredible staff will continue to serve with their talents and enthusiasm. Stay tuned for exciting ways the store will better serve our community! Keep READING! See you soon. We love you!"
Noting that they have lived and worked in Calhoun County for several decades, Kimberly and Tom Batterson said: "All of the relationships we have formed with so many of you is what brings this sense of community and we are so lucky to have you all here with us! We are passionate about literacy and for many years our entire family has worked in one way or another to get books in the hands of people in our community....
"You know how some people have religious callings? This is our calling. We have been readers for as long as each of us can remember. It's always been there and we want to share it with all of you. It is with great excitement and a bit of trepidation that we lean into our new role as your independent booksellers. Look for big changes in the coming weeks and months and yet please rest assured many of the things you love about the Mitten Word Bookshop will still feel the same."