An independent bookstore is opening in Grand Island’s Railside District this weekend.
Owner of Rooted Books & Gifts, LLC, Danielle Helzer has a background in education and community advocacy and is involved in youth services, program development, and disability advocacy.
The bookstore features new books, unique gifts, and events such as multilingual family story times and author readings.
Helzer said the bookstore at 315 N. Locust Street, just north of Daily Dose Coffee, aims to provide access to diverse stories and create a welcoming community space.
Helzer decided to open the bookstore in response to book censorship efforts and to fill a need for youth-friendly spaces in Grand Island.
“I wanted to open this bookstore now to counter attempts to ban, remove or challenge books,” she said.
People also read…
Helzer said she believes in giving people access to books, especially those that reflect experiences that lie outside the “status quo.”
“Everyone should be able to find themselves in the pages of a book,” she said.
Helzer said bookstores are an important “third space” in communities.
“They can be places for good conversation, learning and civic engagement,” she said. “I wanted to create a place where people could spend time with their families, meet new people, hear new ideas, etc.”
Helzer said Grand Island lacks activities and places for young people.
“It’s really important to me that the bookstore is a place where teens can spend time,” she said. “I dream of hosting teen book clubs, open mic nights and creative writing classes.”
According to Helzer, Rooted Books & Gifts’ mission is “to bring quality books, gifts and engagement opportunities to the people of Grand Island in a unique, person-centered environment.”
“Rooted Books is committed to making our community a better place now and for future generations by reigniting the love of reading and supporting efforts that enrich lives in our community,” she said. “Rooted Books will be more than a bookstore; it will be a place where community members can come to rest, learn, and make new connections rooted in our community.”
Helzer plans to open the store by Tuesday, August 27. A grand opening is planned for Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Initially, the bookstore will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the first Friday of every month from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information, visit rootedbooksandgifts.com.
The Oregon Trail Rodeo
Brayden Henburger of Juniata follows his hat into the arena to compete in the ranch bronc riding competition at the 33rd annual Oregon Trail Rodeo on …
Team Roping
Cooper White, head of the Hershey team roping team, is ready to let his ribbon fly.
The Oregon Trail Rodeo
Rhett Brown of Bertrand finds himself in danger during this bronco ride on the ranch.
Bull riding
This is Josiah Chism of Louisville, who finished second in bull riding at the three-day rodeo with 70 points and $1,224.
Rank Ranch Bronco
Reece Krueger of Lexington loses his seat on a wild ranch Bronco.
Bull wrestling
Reed Kraeger of Waco did not make the best time in this steer wrestling heat.
The Oregon Trail Rodeo
Ranch bronc rider Riggin Heikel lets the crowd know he’ll be blowing the horn this time. Heikel came to Hastings from Hazard.
Team Roping
Heeler Tucker White’s team roping loop doesn’t engage the hocks. He and his brother Cooper White, also a Hershey header, were out of time while running.
The York Farmers Market runs until September 26th.