Kirsten Hess, owner of Let\u2019s Play Books!<\/a>, has been working with Leslie Lapidakis of Wesley Works Real Estate <\/a>for almost a year. \u201cIt has been very difficult to find a suitable location.\u00a0 We had so many boxes to check,\u201d Hess said. \u201cIn order to take the business to a sustainable level, we need room to expand and increase our productivity. We love the current shop, but we have to do the same work 2 or 3 times just to function. We need space off the floor for operations and events, but right now we have exactly one room!\u201d\u00a0 The Hess family home has served as the main location for display and prop storage, and most importantly book fair supplies. In addition to the increased retail space, the new store will have a true receiving area, staff break room, and private administrative office.<\/p>\n The new store has three levels. The first floor will include a general interest adult section, stationary and gifts, and a large room dedicated to children. \u00a0The second floor will have Middle-Grade and Young-Adult books, as well as a dedicated activity space, which is what most excites Hess.\u00a0 \u201cIt will provide a venue for book clubs, private meetings, small group events, even a place for kids to do homework after school, or writers who want a little change of scenery.\u201d<\/p>\n The store is launching a fundraising campaign to help with the expansion costs \u2013 for furniture, display racks, rugs, as well as computer and software needs \u2013 but most importantly for increased inventory. Contributors will be able to pick from a variety of thank you gifts meant to share the shop\u2019s genuine appreciation. Details will be available on the Let\u2019s Play Books! website as of August 20. The current shop will have modified hours from August 22 through September 21. \u00a0The new store will have a Grand Re-launch four-day celebration September 22-25.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s Play Books! is the only independent children\u2019s bookstore in the Lehigh Valley. \u00a0We host over 100 events annually, including book talks and clubs, author visits, story times, and summer camps. Books are available for infant through adult, with titles hand selected to support the shop\u2019s mission:\u00a0Engage children’s interest in stories and books, while fostering creativity, embracing diversity, and promoting stewardship of our shared world.<\/strong> Let\u2019s Play Books! is located in Emmaus, Pa. For more information please visit www.letsplaybooks.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nInformation Provided By:<\/strong>
\n Kirsten Hess<\/strong>
\n Let\u2019s Play Books!<\/strong>
\n 379 Main St.<\/strong>
\n Emmaus, PA 18049<\/strong><\/p>\n
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