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    Gramercy Books is the First New Local Book Store in 12 Years

    Kittie’s Cakes of German Village is adding a second location in Bexley this week, and they won’t be alone. Gramercy Books, Central Ohio’s first new independent bookstore in 12 years, will also open their doors on Friday.

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    It’s the classic combination. Books and a cafe. Patrons can sip on wine, beer or Stumptown coffee, and read their latest purchase from Gramercy. Or they can catch one of the bookstore’s events, like a poetry reading, songwriter series or author night while enjoying Kittie’s baked goods, house made granola and sandwiches.

    “Kittie’s Cakes brings people together over nostalgic flavors that bring back great feelings of home,” said co-owner Kelly Fankhauser.  “Gramercy Books is in perfect alignment with what we try to do every day, which is creating enjoyable moments of connection.

    Together they’ll occupy the 3,000 square foot space in the new four-story building located at 2424 E. Main St. Gramercy will offer fiction and nonfiction, bestsellers and children’s books, music literature, poetry and more. They’ll also host a program called Salon@2424, which will connect participants with popular culture, books, films, and current events in partnership with Bexley Public Library, The Drexel Theater, and local universities, according to a press release.

    The bookstore is founded and owned by Columbus native Linda Kass, who grew up on the east side. Kass, a journalist by trade, took to bookselling after writing her novel, Tasa’s Song. With the help of 47-year bookseller John Gaylord and experienced book merchandiser Debbie Boggs, Kass hopes to provide a venue for community convergence.

    “There is no better place than within the walls of a bookstore to foster communication and engage our communities,” Kass said. “Gramercy Books seeks to be that kind of community builder.”

    It’s a tried and true union. Maybe it’s the vibes, or the coffee, or the smell of thousands of books, but whatever it is, the cafe-bookstore synergy is a “proven winner,” said Donna Paz Kaufman of The Bookstore Training Group of Paz & Associates, the agency that designed Gramercy.

    “The combination offers what many people crave these days: a third place that offers authenticity and an opportunity to make human connections,” Kaufman said.

    It all starts this week. After a soft opening on Wednesday, Kittie’s will officially open on Friday, December 16. After that, they’ll be open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gramercy Books will open Friday, and on January 27, they’ll hold a grand opening. Regular hours for Gramercy will be Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Sundays they’ll be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    CLICK HERE to read our official review of Kittie’s Cakes!

    For more information, visit www.gramercybooksbexley.com and www.kittiescakes.com.

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    Lauren Sega
    Lauren Segahttps://columbusunderground.com
    Lauren Sega is the former Associate Editor for Columbus Underground and a current freelance writer for CU. She covers political issues on the local and state levels, as well as local food and restaurant news. She grew up near Cleveland, graduated from Ohio University's Scripps School of Journalism, and loves running, traveling and hiking.
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