“Livingston In Photos,” a series shot by reporter Makayla Coffee, highlights the extra-ordinary happenings of your neighbors.
HOWELL — There’s a new local bookstore in downtown Howell.
For this week’s Livingston in Photos, I decided to take a step inside Oliver & Co. Bookstore — which recently opened in the former Retro-A-Go-Go at 212 S. Michigan Ave.
During my visit, I met with owners Seth and Stephanie Perrin to discuss their goal of creating a welcoming space for all.
“It puts a smile … when people are happy we’re here and getting the comments that (they) feel welcome and that the space is just so warm,” Stephanie said.
During my visit, groups of customers ventured in and out of the bookstore, exploring packed shelves, two large couches, and tables and chairs for lounging.
The couple’s original plan involved building a cafe space inside the bookstore, but cost estimations encouraged them to pivot. Customers can still find cold bottled and canned drinks, nostalgic candy and pastries from Whisked and Folded of Highland, or bring their own beverages from local coffee shops.
There are small gifts like candles, stickers and other decorations sprinkled throughout the store for purchase. The Perrins plan to offer events starting in July, including cupcake decorating classes, bingo, storytelling times, quiet reading nights and activities for children.
“When I say we’re trying to make sure that everybody is included, we mean it,” Stephanie said.
The store’s name honors the first dog the couple owned together, a Maltese named Oliver who lived to be 14. The “& Co.” honors the other dogs they’ve had since. Stephanie said the name isn’t supposed to be sad, but instead honors a special memory. Along that vein, potty-trained and people-friendly dogs are welcome inside.
The business is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays. Learn more on Facebook under “Oliver & Co. Bookstore.”
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com.
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Exclusive: See inside and hear from owners at Oliver & Co. Bookstore
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily | USA TODAY Network
