TALK STORY BOOKSTORE IS MOVING!!
Talk Story Bookstore is MOVING!
It is with bittersweet excitement that we announce that Talk Story Bookstore will be relocating from our longtime location, the Old Yoshiura Store building in Hanapepe.
The building is almost 93 years old and unfortunately the property insurance companies will not be renewing their coverage for it starting next year. Because of this situation, the landlords plan to tear it down and rebuild it.
We are so grateful for their kindly allowing us to lease their special place for last 19 years (2006 to 2025). It has truly been an honor to have rented from three generations of the Nishi/Richards/Zenger Family.
Where is our New Location?
Upon learning of the sad news about the future of the building, we cast a wide net across Kauai, searching for a new space to house the bookstore, one that would hopefully maintain the character of our current location.
Just one mile further west from Hanapepe, we saw an empty building, deciding to walk around and check it out. As soon as we looked inside the space through its numerous windows… immediately, it felt right. The next day, we contacted the property owners (Gay & Robinson) and learned the building had been empty for many years. Thankfully, after meeting with them, they agreed to allow Talk Story Bookstore to open in their historic space.
Now we will be Further West in a Larger Space in KAUMAKANI!
Kaumakani is located right between Hanapepe and Waimea. Now you will be able to easily find our new location right from the highway! Kaumakani is already home to the longtime famous Aloha Sweet Delights doughnut & pastry shop and the new local favorite JP’s Pizza—and these are our new neighbors!
Our new space was originally built in 1946 and was the old Gay & Robinson Community Hall during sugar cane era. It was also a church and a pool hall {not at the same time, of course]! What a perfect historic space for the bookstore’s new home! We are very excited to be there and continue its legacy of being there for everyone!
When will Talk Story Bookstore be Relocating?
Sometime between April and May we will begin the process of moving everything from the bookstore over to the new location. We have already started preparing the space to make it move-in ready. Our target date to open the doors for business there is June 1st.
Until the move-in begins, we will continue to be open as usual in our current Hanapepe location. Please check our Instagram for updates on when we make our move-out announcement.
Recreating the Storefront’s Iconic Facade
The Kaumakani building has so much character, both inside and out. However, there is no storefront western-style facade. While at the beginning, we will have some regular signs with our logo so you can find us, we are committed to recreating the iconic facade you have come to know so well for this new location. Thankfully, Gay & Robinson has allowed us to pursue this project—which also fits in with the County of Kauai Planning Department’s new Form Based Code for the Kaumakani area! We will do everything we can to keep Talk Story Bookstore in service to you for years to come.
We are estimating our cost to create this would be approximately $15,000
(Architect Drawing $5,000; Building Materials & Construction / Building Permit Fee $10,000 ). The Building Permit will take at least six months to get approval, and we would begin construction immediately thereafter.
If you would like to help support us with this effort, we would gladly appreciate any contribution.
As gratitude for your contribution, we would be sure to have an area featuring you in a list of those that helped make this possible, and send you some “Thank You” gifts!
For contributions of $150+, you will receive a bag of our exclusive-roast Book Lovers Coffee (100% Kauai Coffee). For over $350, you will also receive our Talk Story Bookstore Puzzle featuring the historic Hanapepe location.
No matter what, we are committed to the recreation of the iconic Talk Story Bookstore storefront facade. It is expensive to create, but we know it will be great in the long-run not only for the bookstore, but Kaumakani, as well!
Thank you for your consideration and support! We look forward to seeing you soon in our new location!
(And don’t worry—our Boss Cat, Natalie, is coming with us, too!)
