In a resurgent Grand Rapids neighborhood business district, a vacant bank building has been transformed into an unusual live/work space dedicated to readers and writers. Inside, customer amenities, like comfy chairs by a fireplace, borrow from the best traditions of small American bookstores.
According to excerpts from the story:
Another page has turned in the life of the old bank branch at Eastern Avenue SE and Wealthy Street. Last week, Dr. Roni Devlin opened Literary Life bookstore in the 85-year-old brown brick building at 758 Wealthy St. SE.
The store is stocked with thousands of new books, including bestsellers and children's books, along with special areas dedicated to medical literature and tools for writers.
In an industry dominated by big-box national chains along with regional powerhouse, Schuler Books & Music, Devlin said Literary Life is an effort to get back to what people love about little bookstores.
Read the complete story here.
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