Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, Ann Arbor, Mich., which closed in February 2022 after four decades in business, reopened December 1 in its original location at 114 S. Main St. MLive reported that owners Bill Zirinsky and Ruth Schekter "are happy to be bringing the popular bookstore back."
"Crazy Wisdom will be a simpler operation with fewer hours and a much smaller but still dedicated, staff, under the direction of general manager Chandra Mitchel," operations partner Rachel Pastiva noted.
The bookstore's "simplified operations include a more condensed inventory of books and the closure of the tearoom and conversion of that space for hosting events and gatherings," MLive wrote. Currently, the second-floor area is under renovation with plans to open sometime in spring 2024.
"Crazy Wisdom as a community gathering place is the driving force behind reopening so, while the tearoom will not be part of the new Crazy Wisdom, the events that took place there, and in the community room, certainly will be," said Pastiva, who had worked as its manager for nearly 11 years at the original store, until 2017. Zirinsky enlisted her help in spring 2022 to figure out what would be next for the business.
"We've had to be very thoughtful with our decision making to be sure the choices we are making support the new simpler model we are creating," Pastiva noted, adding that the bookstore is "returning to its roots and focusing on the core subjects that longtime customers" have counted on, including spirituality and wisdom traditions, psychology, integrative health, body mind therapies and sustainability.
Pastiva felt "a deep sense of loss" when thinking about how the closure would impact Ann Arbor and said she is "honored" to be a part of its return: "Although we have a long history with our community, we want to make space for connecting with them in a new way. The community has been both surprised and delighted about the return of Crazy Wisdom."