In its fifth decade serving the community, Leelanau Books reopens after new owners and management completed a major renovation, including the addition of a “Back Porch” family activity center.

Committed to being open in its same location year-round, the new owners want the bookshop to be a memorable part of the Leelanau experience. “Leelanau Books was the first bookstore our four children set foot in. We all love it, so we wanted to buy it to ensure it continues to be an asset to this community, even though we have zero experience in retail of any kind”, says Kasey Morris, who bought the store with her husband, John, last summer.

“We’re thrilled to be able to double down on this terrific community asset that the late Prudy Mead started back in 1976 and that the Sebaly family nurtured from the ’90s until they sold it to us,” John adds.

Beyond being a place for anyone to find a great book, Store Manager Paula Alflen has created exciting new children’s programs that combine live reading, fun characters, art, skits, singing and dancing—all delivered on the store’s beautiful new back porch. “We want children and families of all ages to make reading a life-long love by connecting books to these fun activities. We’ve hired truly gifted and diverse individuals (from teenagers to retirees) to help, and they’re all having such a blast,” Paula says.

From 2009–2015, independent bookstores have experienced a 35 percent growth based on three factors: community, curation and convening. With support and enthusiasm from the Morris family, Leelanau Books is making this independent bookshop a unique experience for children and their families by expanding upon these principles. 

Listen to the stories of pirates and fairies, make fun crafts and test your Harry Potter knowledge. Check out the full lineup of summer youth programs at Leelanau Books.

—Press release provided by Leelanau Books


Family Activities in Northern Michigan

Photo(s) by Leelanau Books