News Summary
Midtown Reader, an independent bookstore in Tallahassee, is celebrating its grand re-opening with a community event featuring author readings, local musicians, and a live horse from a service animal program. The bookstore has expanded its space significantly and will offer new inventory sections. Owner Sally Bradshaw emphasizes community support as key to this expansion. Meanwhile, a public meeting will address local concerns regarding upcoming road construction that could impact the bookstore’s traffic and sales.
Tallahassee – Midtown Reader, an independent bookstore, is marking its grand re-opening with a celebratory event that features local author readings, musicians, and a live horse from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare’s service animal outreach program. Located at 1123 Thomasville Road, the bookstore has expanded its space by approximately 700 square feet, increasing its footprint by over 60%. This expansion introduces new inventory sections dedicated to business, education, romance, and sports.
Owner Sally Bradshaw expressed gratitude for the community’s support, which has been evident through attendance at author and school events and partnerships with local nonprofits. The grand re-opening event, reminiscent of a birthday party, aims to engage the community further and highlight the contributions that local readers have made to the bookstore’s success.
The expansion also includes a 300 square-foot patio area, additional parking, and a dedicated event space to host future activities. The opportunity for this expansion arose following the closure of Waterworks, a neighboring landmark bar and restaurant. Although plans were announced last year, the execution faced challenges, including delays from summer rains and a lengthy permitting process that lasted over a year. Construction work took about six months to complete, but specific costs for the project have not been disclosed.
Bradshaw noted that the dedication of local readers who choose to shop at Midtown Reader instead of larger retail chains like Amazon has made this expansion possible. This support has been critical in sustaining the business and fostering a community-oriented space conducive for book lovers and educational pursuits.
Community Concerns Regarding Road Construction
In addition to the grand re-opening, a hybrid public meeting is scheduled to discuss road construction plans for Thomasville Road, which may impact local businesses, including Midtown Reader. Residents have expressed concerns regarding the proposed removal of the center turn lane and its potential implications on traffic congestion and access to neighboring businesses.
Bradshaw has raised alarms that the ongoing roadwork could lead to a potential sales volume loss of up to 40% for Midtown Reader, which could jeopardize the long-term viability of the store. Community members are encouraged to participate in the public meeting to voice their concerns about the planned construction and its effects on local businesses.
Background on Midtown Reader
Midtown Reader has garnered a reputation as a beloved independent bookstore within the Tallahassee community. The store focuses on providing a vast array of reading materials and creating a welcoming environment for book enthusiasts of all ages. Its commitment to hosting author events and community-centered initiatives has fostered strong local engagement and support.
As the grand re-opening approaches, the energy around Midtown Reader reflects the resilience and dedication of independent businesses amid evolving challenges. With the planned expansions and increased event space, Midtown Reader aims to continue serving as an essential cultural hub for Tallahassee residents.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee: Midtown Reader Celebrates Expansion
- Wikipedia: Independent Bookstore
- Tallahassee: Lucy Foley to Visit
- Google Search: Independent bookstores in Tallahassee
- Tallahassee: Opposition to Thomasville Road Construction
- Google Scholar: Community Business Support
- Tallahassee: Sharon Kant Rauch Launches First Mystery
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bookstore
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
