Bent Pages in Houma, La., has reopened under new ownership and with limited hours, Houma Today reported.
New owners Angele Leboeuf and Jeannie Tillman purchased the store in early May and have given it the new title Bent Pages & Co. Hours are limited while the owners work on creating a children's room in the front of the store, opening a large local authors section, and reopening the cafe. They also intend to clear out a little of the old inventory to create more space and make the interior less overwhelming. They hope that with the increased emphasis on local authors, they'll be able to draw some of the tour buses that travel through the area.
"I love the store, I love the building, I love the books, I love the place the store had in the community," Leboef told Houma Today. "For me, Bent Pages was always the solace, you know, to come here... I just feel like this is home."
Residing in a 4,174-square-foot space at 1422 Barrow St., Bent Pages first opened in 1997. Previous owner Molly Bolden, who owned and operated the store for years, closed it at the end of last year. Originally used books only, Leboeuf and Tillman have added new titles and plan to continue expanding that selection.
Tillman and Leboeuf hope to host a grand opening in September and have the cafe fully reopened by January.