Molly and David DiLena have purchased Union River Book and Toy Company in Ellsworth, Maine, from retiring owner Michael Curtis, who originally bought the store in 2010. Per the Bangor Daily News, Molly DiLena has been working with Curtis for a few weeks and is planning to take over officially on June 1.
At 70 years old, Curtis said he is ready to step back, concentrate on maintaining his commercial properties and take more time for himself, especially after the difficulty of guiding the shop through the pandemic. While he is selling the store, he is retaining ownership of the book and toy store's building, which includes other commercial units and upstairs apartments. When he bought the store in 2010, it was called Four the Fun of It and sold toys and games only.
Molly DiLena, who was previously an elementary school teacher, said she doesn't have any major changes in mind, although she may expand the store's book selection, which focuses on children's books and is predominantly remainders. She and her husband may also expand the store's game selection and turn the basement into a game room and area for discount books and toys.
"I will take a little time to figure all that out," DiLena told the Daily News. "It's a good place for families to come for a little bit of everything."