Page Turner Books, the new and used bookstore in Kent, Wash., that was "dealt a devastating blow" in January from burst water pipes, hosted "a wonderful grand (re)opening day" on April 5 in its new location at 215 1st Ave. S.
"I thought we were done when the water started coming out of the ceiling. So, to be here now is just awesome," co-owner Wayne Curran told KING-5, adding that he is settling into the shop's new home. "I don't know too many people who would come to work seven days a week and be happy about it. That's what it means to me. It's my happy place."
The January flooding destroyed more than $8,000 worth of books and products, essentially making the space unusable. Curran said a customer gave his number to a landlord nearby, which led to the relocation.
The community donated more than $14,000 to the store's online fundraiser, and many customers helped him move to the new location. "They brought their hand trucks, they brought their boxes and they were just amazing, and I didn't realize how many friends we had here in Kent," said Curran. "And I do now."
He added that in the wake of the devastation, he is able to continue the bookshop's story on a positive note: "We just want to have the best bookstore we can."