The Otto Bookstore, Williamsport, Pa., celebrated its first-ever expansion with an open house on May 1. A downtown cornerstone for more than 180 years, the indie bookstore has nearly doubled floor space to 5,000 square feet with the addition of a neighboring storefront along West Fourth Street. The expansion connects the original store to the new space through a custom-built archway. It also increases the book inventory from 21,000 titles to more than 60,000.
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| (l. to r.) Lycoming County Chamber of Commerce CEO Jason Fink, Otto Bookstore general manager John Shableski, Otto co-owner Kathryn Nassberg, and Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger. (photo: NorthCentralPA.com) | |
"We are excited to have this opportunity to not only expand the bookstore's physical space, but the kinds of events we can offer," said co-owner Kathryn Nassberg. "We want the Otto Bookstore to be a place of learning, discovery, and community here in Williamsport, and the updated location will allow us to do that with an even greater impact."
Noting that the expansion "represents a pivotal moment for the Otto Bookstore," co-owner Isak Sidenbladh said the additional space allows the bookshop to significantly increase its inventory and programming. New and expanded sections include early childhood literacy, memory support resources for families affected by dementia, and collections centered on regional outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and eco-tourism.
A key addition is a dedicated event space designed to host author readings, book launches, midnight releases, book clubs, private parties and community gatherings.
General Manager John Shableski said the project has been one of the most ambitious in the store's long history: "The expansion means we are literally doubling the size of our operations, and that alone is one of the biggest events in the history of this store. It's going to take a lot of work to complete, but we have the best people here who are all pitching in to make it happen while continuing to serve our customers."
Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter said: "Otto Bookstore has long been a cornerstone of our downtown, and its decision to double its footprint speaks volumes about the vitality of our community. Independent bookstores create spaces where people gather, ideas are shared and downtowns come alive."