The news about Louisville’s oldest and longest running independent bookstore, Carmichael’s, opening a children’s bookstore in just a couple of weeks has been spread around town. During the week of August 4, the new store, called Carmichael’s Kids, will open to the public. It's located at 1313 Bardstown Road next to Discoveries and The Bristol Bar and Grille.
According to Kelly Estep, who is the manager at the new store, “We've wanted to open a store devoted to children's books for some time now, but the right opportunity hadn't come along. With a space becoming available virtually next door to our Bardstown Road store, we knew it was time to make this idea a reality.” The new store will serve primarily as a bookstore, but they will also carry toys and games geared for children. Gifts will be unique and carefully selected for the store, as they have been for 36 years in Carmichael’s current two bookstores. Construction and remodeling at the store have been ongoing, and the store is set to be open during the week of August 4-9, and will be open seven days a week throughout the year.
The store is throwing a grand opening celebration on Sunday, August 10 from 1-4pm.It will be a street party for the community along Longest Avenue and Bardstown Road. The block party will occur between these two streets in the Highlands and along the alley and will be closed to traffic from 12pm-5pm during the party. There will be lots going on, including games, activities, and treats for children and performances from Stage One actors. There will be face painting, interactive presentations from Raptor Rehab of Kentucky, a parade with The Pokey Little Puppy, and ice cream provided by The Comfy Cow. The event is free and open to the public.
Throughout the year, the store will host special events just for children, with story times and special author visits. This includes a visit from best-selling adult and children’s author Carl Hiaasen (Hoot) on September 30th. More details will be announced about this event soon.
For more information about the Grand Opening, see their Facebook event page, or follow them on Twitter @CarmichaelsBook or find their Facebook page.
Image courtesy of www.carmichaelsbookstore.com
