Cellar Bird Books hosted its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 18 at 415 Bridge St. in Grand Rapids, Mich. Owner Lea Kocurek told WOOD TV that customers who have stopped in thus far have expressed excitement at having another option along Bridge Street.
"Bridge Street specifically is just very walkable and close to so many things," she said. "Especially with all the restaurants nearby, if people are waiting for a table or want to come before or after a meal, I thought that it might be a nice place for people to come in and browse and hang out."
Kocurek has a background in film production. She moved to Los Angeles from Texas in 2015, working as production management for animated films. In 2021, she and her husband relocated to Grand Rapids. Earlier this year, she finished a project she had been working on for her previous job and decided to pursue her dream of opening an independent bookstore.
"I think maybe opening this bookstore is maybe a little scarier (than moving across the country)," she said. "Only just because, I'm putting a lot into it.... I don't know how people will react to it, or if they'll come.... I've just really enjoyed all of the little pieces that I've been able to find to add a little bit of character to the store."
In addition to a curated selection of new books, the store also offers literary-themed items like puzzles, notebooks, and stickers. Next year, Kocurek hopes to host events and book clubs, but for now she enjoys chatting with customers and helping them find their next read.
"The great thing after I've opened is just meeting all of the people that come in that are so happy to have a bookstore here," she said. "But also being able to recommend books to people that are looking for recommendations is one of my favorite things. I love it so much, especially when they then enjoy the book."