The staff of Chapters Books and Gifts was busy unpacking Aug. 11. They weren’t unpacking shipments of the latest bestsellers, however. They were unpacking inventory in a new location.
After the top of the building at 548 Seward Street was damaged by the high winds Aug. 9, store owner Kelley Limback had to decide what to do.
She said bricks from the west side were thrown onto the roof which then separated from the west wall. No water came in, however, and the tarp was installed before Saturday night’s rain.
“We’re waiting on the structural engineer,” Limback said.
But that left Chapters in limbo.
“We want to stay out of the way and stay accessible,” she said.
Photographer Emily Nix offered her shop at 647 Seward Street for a short time. So Limback and staff, joined by Concordia University students, moved the entire inventory to the new spot in about two and a half hours.
“It was insane,” Limback said.
She said Kellan and Michelle Meyer offered the use of a covered truck to help with the move.
“We’re here for three weeks,” Limback said Aug. 11. “We’re treating it like a pop-up.”
The question now is what happens next. Limback said building owner Max Wake had to contact an engineer to see about the building’s safety.
Chapters itself should be back to regular hours a block from its home by Wednesday, Aug. 13, Limback said. The website is still up and running, and those who have ordered books will still get them. She hopes to keep everyone updated through Chapters’ social media.
“The bookish community is so kind and supportive, and Seward is so kind and supportive,” Limback said. “We just have to be ready for the next chapter.”
