The Babbling Book and the Dragon's Nook bookstore, Haines, Alaska, is being sold and renamed, the Chilkat Valley News reported.
Jo "JoJo" Goerner is buying the store from Darcee Messano next month and will rename it the Moosterious Emporium. Goerner explained to the paper that "I received the nickname of the Moostress my first summer here." Among other positions, she teaches music lessons at the store and has been an educational coordinator at the Haines Sheldon Museum.
Goerner intends to add community events like a "Sit and Sip" quiet reading night or painting and wine event, and a board game night for families. The store will add musical supplies and encourage local artists to showcase their wares, "anything from candles to calendars to cards," Goerner said.
Messano bought the store in September 2017 from Liz and Tom Heywood and told the paper that she wants to spend more time at home. "I ended up being more of a placeholder and I'm really happy I was able to do that for the community," she said. "Jojo came along and she is the perfect fit (with) her energy and her capabilities. It's almost as if it was predestined and I'm just going along with it."
The Moosterious Emporium will be officially unveiled at the town's First Friday event on December 7.