Storytime Bookshop, a new and used bookstore in Kennewick, Wash., is aiming to reopen later this month in a new downtown space at 220 W. Kennewick Ave. The bookstore was forced to close its previous location (at 107 W. Kennewick Ave.) after a fire in mid-March caused severe damage to the building and the loss of nearly all inventory.
Owner Lorelei Kennedy posted on social media this week: "Out of the ashes we rise, we rise! Out of the ashes we rise! I am so excited to announce that Storytime Bookshop has a new location!! We've just started moving in to the old Impact Community space... and it's already shaping up to be better than ever!"
The bookstore had lost its inventory and soft goods, "most of our furniture and big portion of our sanity in the fire and what has come after," Kennedy added. "We are SO grateful for our community that has shown up for us in ways we couldn't even imagine."
The new location is designed to enhance the bookshop's mission of fostering a love for reading among children and families. With an expanded collection of primarily used books, interactive story times, and engaging events, Storytime Bookshop aims to be a cornerstone of the community's cultural and educational landscape.
"The reopening of Storytime Bookshop is not just about a new location; it's about the strength and spirit of our community," said Kennedy. "We are excited to welcome everyone back to a place where stories come alive and imaginations soar."
The priority is to open the front area featuring children's, middle reader, and YA books, along with the storytime area. The bookstore noted that this reopening "is a testament to the power of community and the enduring importance of literacy and education. Storytime Bookshop looks forward to continuing its mission of providing a diverse and inclusive space for all to discover the joys of reading."