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In early April, the owner of Serendipity Books, an independent bookstore in Chelsea, Michigan, announced a significant move to a larger location just around the corner. This transition was made possible due to the growing affection and support from the local community, described by owner Michelle Tuplin as a vibrant “community of indie book lovers.”
However, the logistics of relocating the store from Middle Street to Main Street required extra hands to ensure a smooth process.
Tuplin shared with ABC News the emotional moment she experienced while overseeing the move. “When I came down the steps of the old store and looked, turned the corner, and I saw this line … I really struggled to hold it together,” she recalled.
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This heartfelt story quickly went viral on TikTok, with the initial post attracting more than 1.7 million views, showcasing the community’s remarkable support.
@serendipitybooktok captured the spirit of the event with a post celebrating the extraordinary turnout: “Your community shows up 300 strong to help move your ENTIRE BOOKSTORE around the corner to your new location. Today was so beautiful thank you Chelsea!!!” Various related hashtags have emerged, including #fyp, #bookbrigade, and #indiebookstore, which reflect the event’s significance in the indie book community.
Remarkably, the entire relocation process took just two hours, with approximately 9,100 books being passed hand-to-hand by participants of all ages, enhancing the charming and picturesque streets of Chelsea.
Chelsea, situated about 60 miles from Detroit, boasts a population of around 5,300, meaning nearly one in 17 residents participated in this momentous move. Serendipity Books has been a cherished part of the community since its establishment in 1997.
“There was a 6-year-old and then a 91-year-old, so it really represented the whole spectrum,” Tuplin mentioned in her conversation with ABC News. She emphasized the critical role independent bookstores play in their communities, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging local involvement in meaningful ways.
To commemorate this new chapter, Serendipity Books plans to hold a grand opening event on April 26, coinciding with Independent Bookstore Day, inviting everyone to celebrate the spirit of community and literature.
Source
www.entrepreneur.com