Plymouth Celebrates the Grand Opening of Elephant Ear Books, a Dream Come True for Local Book Lovers

Plymouth Welcomes its Newest Literary Gem: Elephant Ear Books!

A Dream Realized

Plymouth is buzzing with excitement as local bookworm, Melissa Schabel, opens the doors to her long-awaited dream store, Elephant Ear Books, this Saturday, November 16. Nestled at 449 S. Harvey St., the store is set to offer a delightful range of fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, just in time for the cozy holiday season!

A Passion for Reading

Melissa has always been surrounded by books. With over two decades of experience as a librarian, she knows a thing or two about literature. “The reason I loved being a librarian is that I love to talk to people about books,” she shares with joy. Her philosophy? “Books bring people together.” And now, she’s ready to channel that passion into her own bookstore—how exciting is that?

A Curated Selection for Everyone

At Elephant Ear Books, you’ll find a carefully chosen mix of general-interest titles that heavily features fiction—perfect for fiction lovers of all ages! For the little readers, there’s a growing children’s section full of board books, picture books, and beginning readers. Don’t miss the non-fiction gems either, including memoirs, biographies, and cookbooks. Melissa even plans to get input from local teens to help shape the young adult section—a great way to keep the offerings fresh and relevant!

More Than Just Books

But that’s not all! Elephant Ear Books also offers book-themed puzzles and handmade cards, adding a unique touch to the shopping experience. Now, let’s be honest: while larger retailers may have the edge on discounts, Melissa is counting on the personal touch of her store to keep customers coming back. “I will carry what Plymouth residents want to read, and I’m open to feedback,” she promises.

From Inspiration to Action

Melissa’s dreams have been brewing for over a decade. However, a profound personal loss last year—a reminder of the fragility of life—encouraged her to finally take the plunge. “I hope that he’ll be proud,” she reflects, speaking of her late father. Family support has been strong; her mother and stepfather traveled all the way from New Hampshire to witness this special opening day. “We just can’t say enough how proud we are of her,” Denise Buxton, her proud mom, beams. “It’s been her dream for a long time to open a bookstore. Growing up, she always had her nose in a book. Always.”

The Roots of a Reader

Melissa credits her love for reading to her aunt and uncle who gifted her books as a child. From classics like ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and ‘Charlotte’s Web’, her journey as a reader blossomed. She now enjoys diving into contemporary fiction and is especially fond of works by female authors, noting that her favorite book this year is ‘The God of the Woods’ by Liz Moore.

Why Plymouth?

Choosing Plymouth as the home for her bookstore was no accident. After leaving her position at the Saline District Library, Melissa explored various small downtowns for the perfect vibe. “I started touring downtowns that did not already have a bookstore, and somebody told me, ‘Oh you should go check out Plymouth,’” she reveals. And the moment she arrived, it felt like home. “It just felt right, so I went with my gut and here I am.”

Join the Adventure!

The store—aptly named Elephant Ear Books—reflects Melissa’s love of elephants, a playful nod to her adventurous spirit. She’s ready to welcome book lovers of all ages with open arms! Elephant Ear Books will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays until the end of the year. Come January, she might tweak those hours based on how many readers stroll through her doors.

If you’re on the lookout for something new to read or a cozy spot to chat about books, be sure to stop by Elephant Ear Books. It’s not just a store; it’s a community! You can reach the store at 734-228-5314.