2 Dandelions has double the space in downtown Brighton

BRIGHTON — An independent bookstore in downtown Brighton has been transformed.

2 Dandelions Bookshop owners Jeri Kay Thomas and Jeanne Blazo have doubled the size of their bookstore, patio and back parking at 428 W. Main St. They recently purchased the building next door , previously occupied by Concord Mortgage, connected the two storefronts and reorganized.

"We can breathe. The books can breathe," Thomas said. "We're thrilled about the accessibility."

The expansion has allowed the store to expand its children's section, with adult titles moved to the "new" side. Each side has its own front entrance. Remaining with the youngsters is Myrtle the Turtle, who lives in a tank at the shop.

"Myrtle is very central now," Thomas said. "She's quite the draw."

Shelves on wheels will make it easier to host children's storytime and other events.

The adult section has a table for new fiction, an entire wall for nonfiction, more shelves on wheels and much more room to showcase popular titles.

"With all books, in general, we have more opportunity to display them, so people can see them and appreciate them. It makes a difference when they are front-facing rather than the spines," Thomas said. "We're able to share them properly with our readers. There are so many good ones, and sometimes they got lost.

"It's still evolving, but we finished reorganizing Friday afternoon and just threw the doors open and said, 'Let's see what happens.' The support has been tremendous, and we appreciate it so much."

The business hosts events on its back patio whenever the weather allows. The second storefront also came with patio space, so the owners will add more seating, lighting, landscaping and possibly art.

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"It's just going to be so much easier," Thomas said.

2 Dandelions will host a ribbon cutting ceremony at 4 p.m. Friday, July 26, with cookies and a book-shaped cake. The business' first children's storytime in the revamped space will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 27.

— Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: 2 Dandelions has double the space in downtown Brighton