GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Books & Mortar in Grand Rapids is marking the beginning of its next chapter.
The independent bookstore on Cherry Street SE near Diamond Avenue SE has been part of the Grand Rapids community for a decade. Earlier this year, however, former owner Jenny Kinne announced plans to close the store, citing burnout.
But as it turned out, that wasn’t the end of the story. Books & Mortar found a new trio of owners, identified as Willard Noyes, Julie Bylsma and Christine Bylsma in an article of organization filed with the state. The new owners reopened the store this month.
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“Books & Mortar has always been more than a place to buy books—it’s a place to find new ideas, connect with your neighbors, discover voices you might not otherwise hear, and feel like there’s a place for all of us to be welcomed and celebrated,” the owners wrote in a social media announcement. “We want to carry that spirit forward while building a sustainable future for the store, so it can keep being part of this community for many years to come.”…