The Dusty Bookshelf front window. (Courtesy photo)
MANHATTAN — Nearly two years after a fire destroyed The Dusty Bookshelf in Aggieville, owners of the bookstore say they’re planning to reopen this spring.
In a post on the bookstore’s Facebook page Tuesday, store officials say they are planning to reopen at the corner of Manhattan Ave. and Moro Street after two long and difficult years thanks to the community’s loyalty, support and general love for books. The cause of the March 2, 2017 fire at the bookstore was due to self-heating floor finishing materials. Damage to the building and surrounding structures was estimated over $822,000 with over $550,000 attributed to losses at The Dusty Bookshelf.
Manhattan firefighters attack flames March 2, 2017 in Aggieville. (Staff photos by Brady Bauman)
Officials say they’ll be leaning heavily on the community as they now face an unfinished shell of the old bookstore, a large rent increase and lots of hard decisions to make in a short amount of time. In the coming weeks, the bookstore will be asking for donations, supplies, help with renovations and moving some of the old books into the store. A list of needs and a rough schedule for putting the shop back together will be posted on social media as they gear up for a “good-ol’-fashioned book drive and community bookstore build.” Some of the features of the bookstore will include events, live music, coffee and snacks, a newsstand and special programming for children.
Additional ideas are welcome as they continue plans to reopen. No definite date for an official opening has been announced.
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