Chapters Books and Gifts, Seward, Neb., has reopened in its original location after storm damage last August forced the bookseller to move to a temporary space until repairs could be made, KOLN reported. While the storefront is fully open, work continues on the back area.
The storm had "initially appeared to make the building structurally unsound, with the western-facing wall seeming to separate from the structure," KOLN wrote. "However, a structural engineer determined only the roof sustained damage from bricks being blown off during the storm. The store relocated while masonry work was completed to ensure customer safety."
Owner Kelley Limback used the closure as an opportunity to make improvements, and the bookstore now features new hard flooring and freshly painted walls and shelves. She has plans for a back area dedicated to events and reading space.
"It looked like this huge problem. And it was a huge problem," Limback noted. "And it's been a long process. But to take that problem and find an opportunity in it. So that at the end of the day, we feel like we are at a better place than we began. That was what we felt like we should do."
Noting that the process required tireless effort from Limback, her husband and staff members, she said seeing customers return made it worthwhile: "I think that's what the business is all about, is a place for community. And so for a community to find us the first morning we're back here feels so good. I've got a huge cookie cake over there and some flowers have come in and just people saying, welcome, good job, we're glad you're back."