Want to see your favorite independent bookstore featured next? Submit your nominations here.

 

This Week’s Winner: FENTON’S OPEN BOOK, FENTON, MICHIGAN

 

Image via Fenton’s Open Book

 

We recently asked readers to send us their favorite independent bookstores and tell us what ‘indie’ means to them. This week, we’re focusing on Fenton’s Open Book in Fenton, Michigan, which was nominated by two of its beloved customers.

Fenton’s Open Book has everything you could ask of your neighborhood bookseller: book clubs and community events, knowledgeable and friendly staff, readings for local Michigan authors, fundraisers for local charities including Adopt-a-Pet, special book orders, exclusive merch, generous student/teacher discounts, FREE books for children in exchange for semester report cards, and a speckled Dalmatian named Stormy—your new favorite tour guide.

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Children’s book author Brenda Hasse (Wilkinshire and The Freelancer) loves helping out at Fenton’s and is especially enthusiastic about the shop’s events, including its recent Harry Potter-themed night: “I had wax-sealed envelopes with Harry Potter’s name on them throughout the store. Patrons had to guess how many Hedwig had delivered. FYI – there were 116!”

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

The intimate bookstore participates in big events as well. Bonnie, a Fenton local, had only exciting things to say about the shop’s community engagements and owner: “Always part of any downtown event or Chamber event; started a new October event that was VERY successful. Karen is the best!!!”

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Ms. Hasse also happened to praise shop owner Karen Piacentini for her commitment and dedication to Fenton’s, even during harder moments:

[Karen] has continued to keep the bookstore open since her husband’s passing in 2013. I believe she has owned it for nine years. She also works a second job at the special needs preschool. I help out where I can. I just keep pushing her forward in life, decorate the store, and help with events and marketing.

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Fenton’s does A LOT to add as many embellishments as possible to improve its customers’ shopping experience.

Ms. Hasse added, “wonderful and enchanting decorations during the holidays makes the store magical, draws your attention, and entices you to step inside to explore its shelves.”

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

It goes without saying that Fenton’s is treasured by its customers, community members, and staff; everyone is determined to see the shop succeed. Tri-County Times reported back in 2016 that the shop’s employees surprised Ms. Piacentini with a new sign after years of customers telling her that they could not find the store with ease.

 

Image via Tri-County Times

 

Fenton’s next grand event is a celebration of Independent Bookstore Day. This year’s theme—Alice in Wonderland. Brenda elaborates on what the shop has done to make a wonderland for its customers:

We have cut-outs of the Alice characters, painted red rose bushes, a croquet game with stuffed animal balls to hit with the mallet, sweets and eats with a sign that says ‘Eat Me,’ punch labeled ‘Drink Me,’ little card stock hats for prizes—they contain candy and a decorative brooch. I’m certain we will be adding more activities to make the day fun!

 

Image via Brenda Hasse

 

Learn more about Fenton’s Open Book at their website here, or check out the shop on Facebook here!

 

Want to see your favorite independent bookstore featured next? Submit your nominations here.

 

 

Featured Image via Tri-County Times