Two Maryland independent bookstores, A Likely Story Bookstore in Sykesville and Park Books & LitCoLab in Severna Park, will merge next year.
Effective January 1, the two businesses will combine under a single name. Both storefronts will remain open, and there will be no changes to staffing. Debbie Scheller, owner of A Likely Story for nearly 19 years, will step back from day-to-day operations, while Melody Wukitch, owner of Park Books, will take the lead.
Scheller first met Wukitch at Winter Institute 2023 in Seattle, Wash., and as she considered transitioning to a new chapter, came to realize that the latter's "enthusiasm, vision, and leadership would make her the perfect person to carry the business forward."
Wukitch said she is "committed to expanding upon the strong foundation Debbie has built while enhancing the store's programming, partnerships, and presence in the community."
Both Wukitch and Scheller are "deeply grateful for the incredible support" they've received from their customers and community members. They "look forward to the future of both storefronts and are excited to continue growing and building upon the relationships and legacy that have made the business so special."