Following a preview weekend late last month, Elderberry & Plumb Bookstore officially opened in Springfield, Ill., on July 1, the State Journal-Register reported.
Located at 926 S. Seventh St., in the historic Cranmer Cook House in Springfield's Old Aristocracy Hill neighborhood, Elderberry & Plumb sells general-interest titles for all ages, along with games, towels, perfumes, tote bags, and gifts. The inventory is all new, and though there are no plans to add used titles, the bookstore may add a communal library eventually.
The bookstore is owned by and named after Lisa Plumb and her brother Tom Elder; the store shares the building with Plumb's insurance agency. Sarah Beth Kiliman serves as bookstore director; she has previous bookselling experience at Barnes & Noble and earned a master's degree in literature and cultural theory from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The Springfield Business Journal reported that the store features multiple intimate rooms; each has its "own theme, vibe and décor. With tall ceilings and windows and colorful decorations, it has a welcoming atmosphere with what Plumb describes as a French-boutique touch."
Looking ahead, Elderberry and Plumb plans to expand its event offerings and add an outdoor patio. "We are really excited for book clubs and things like that to host in the future," Kiliman told the Journal-Register. "The skies are the limit. My dream is to have a literary festival here."