Following a brief closure, Big Red Books in Nyack, N.Y., has reopened under new ownership, Nyack News & Views reported.
Sisters Kara Trinler, Nicole Trinler, and Emma Crouchen purchased the bookstore from owner Richie Fulco, who founded the store in 2023. Big Red Books was closed from late August until early September while the bookstore changed hands and the new owners restocked the inventory and did some redecorating and renovating. They officially reopened on September 5.
"We believe that it’s very important to have community spaces like this dedicated to reading, a place for kids to go, especially today when people aren’t reading as much anymore and there’s AI," Crouchen told Nyack News & Views. "A bookstore like this feels more important than ever. We’re raising our kids here and we want the community to be as special a place as possible, and we hope to contribute to that."
Going forward, the new owners plan to add more locally made gift items and rebuild the store's event offerings with author readings, book clubs, and more. They've also submitted permits to add a small cafe to the bookstore as well as build out an area behind the store.
Crouchen noted that even with the addition of the cafe, it will be a bookstore first. "We're not trying to compete with any of the great coffee places in Nyack. We're just trying to diversify as a bricks-and-mortar bookstore and bring people into the store."
Located at 120 Main St., Big Red Books sells general-interest titles for all ages. Major areas of focus going forward will be carrying children's and adult books about neurodivergence, and making the space welcoming to neurodivergent people.
Kara Trinler, who has a son with autism, explained, "I know what it’s like to bring my son into a store and think: Is this a good day or a bad day for him? I want everyone to know that the store is open to you to bring your neurodivergent kids and know it’s a safe and happy place for them."
Previously, Big Red Books had a large red couch in the middle of the store. The new owners have removed that, but they've added a miniature red couch with three toy mice on it to a shelf above the counter. It serves as a tribute to the store's beginnings under Fulco while also reflecting the three new owners.