A children's bookstore called the Wandering Lantern has opened in Lakewood, Ohio, the Land reported.
Located at 15729 Madison Ave., the bookstore held its grand opening on November 29 and offers a wide variety of children's titles. Its event plans include storytime sessions, book clubs, craft nights, and more. In the months ahead, the Wandering Lantern will open an additional room featuring study tables, chairs, and a fireplace, followed by a basement room that will serve as an events space and playroom.
Prior to opening the Wandering Lantern, co-owners Emily Mitchell-Polci and Michael Plant felt there was a dearth of family-focused businesses in the area, despite the high number of families. When a retail space became available, the pair knew right away that a children's bookstore would be a great fit for both the building and the neighborhood. Plant has a background in real estate and construction, while Mitchell-Polci works as an elementary school teacher at a private school.
"I've never been in a community where every single person I bumped into is so nice, so inviting, and welcoming," Plant told the Land.
"People are pumped," Mitchell-Polci said prior to the store's opening. "I've been in here every day, opening boxes and trying to clean and put stuff away, and people knock on the window and ask what's coming in the space. They're just so excited."