August 5, 2016 — Let’s Play Books!, after opening in Emmaus, PA, almost 3 years ago, is relocating just 2 blocks away to 244 Main Street, Emmaus, PA, in September of this year. The new location is more than three times the size of the current store, allowing for a significant increase in inventory of books, as well as stationary, gifts and toys.
Kirsten Hess, owner of Let’s Play Books!, has been working with Leslie Lapidakis of Wesley Works Real Estate for almost a year. “It has been very difficult to find a suitable location. We had so many boxes to check,” Hess said. “In 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!” 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.
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. The second floor will have Middle-Grade and Young-Adult books, as well as a dedicated activity space, which is what most excites Hess. “It 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.”
The store is launching a fundraising campaign to help with the expansion costs – for furniture, display racks, rugs, as well as computer and software needs – but most importantly for increased inventory. Contributors will be able to pick from a variety of thank you gifts meant to share the shop’s genuine appreciation. Details will be available on the Let’s Play Books! website as of August 20. The current shop will have modified hours from August 22 through September 21. The new store will have a Grand Re-launch four-day celebration September 22-25.
Let’s Play Books! is the only independent children’s bookstore in the Lehigh Valley. We 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’s mission: Engage children’s interest in stories and books, while fostering creativity, embracing diversity, and promoting stewardship of our shared world. Let’s Play Books! is located in Emmaus, Pa. For more information please visit www.letsplaybooks.com
Information Provided By:
Kirsten Hess
Let’s Play Books!
379 Main St.
Emmaus, PA 18049
