It’s been nearly two decades since there’s been a book store in downtown Howell. A Gregory couple is changing all that as they renovate the storefront at 212 S. Michigan Ave., just south of Clinton Street, to get Oliver & Co. Bookstore open for business in late May.
Seth and Stephanie Perrin, who lived in Howell before moving to Gregory, “absolutely love the downtown (Howell) area and frequent it often.”
“It just made sense for us to open the store there,” said Stephanie Perrin. “Seth was drained from his life working in the corporate world. He has always wanted to open a bookstore, so we talked and decided to move forward with that dream.”
The business will be more than books. Oliver & Co. Bookstore will also include a small cafe offering lattes and cappuccinos, as well as to-go type pastries. There will also be a retail area offering gifts, trinkets and other items.
“We also welcome local vendors to consign with us to support people in the community,” she said.
The couple is aiming for an establishment in which people can experience community connection.
“Our store will be warm and welcoming,” Perrin said. “We want people to feel like it’s a second home: a place to gather and get to know other neighbors.”
The Perrins are planning events like book club, game night, and art classes to give people a place to go and meet new friends.
“It’s important to us that everyone feels welcome,” she said.
The two are avid readers. “Our favorite date nights involve finding a new, great book to read,” Perrin said. “Now we will be able to do that in our own space.”
Her favorite books are “To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee, and “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah; his are “Hammer of the Gods” by Stephen Davis, “Dune” by Frank Herbert, and “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy.
Hours for the bookstore will be 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. most days.
Follow Oliver & Co. Bookstore on Facebook by clicking here.
