Bibliophiles have a new destination in downtown Ypsilanti. Book Love Bar opened at 110 W. Michigan Avenue in March, with plans to include a coffee and cocktails bar in the future. Once licensing has been secured, this will be one of the first bookstore bars in the area.
The concept has been brewing for owner Jessica Tharp for many years.
“I have always dreamed of opening my own bookstore business,” Tharp said. “Same with my husband, Steve.”
Tharp has a varied and extensive resume that includes stints in catering and pet sitting, restaurant management and bartending. Along with help from her husband, Steve, she will be applying her skills in the service industry to her newest venture.
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“The Indie bookstore and library has always been a safe space for me. My son and I are bibliophiles who both immediately smile and relax upon entering any room full of books. Bookstores are romantic, introverted for some and extroverted for others. It’s a place to seek new ways of thinking or solidify your beliefs,” Tharp said.
Tharp keeps a careful eye on inventory, as shelving space is at a premium.
“The one thing we hear over and over again is that Book Love Bar is very cozy and welcoming. People love our book selections and aesthetic. Our shelves are carefully curated and have to be because we are a small store with limited space,” Tharp said.
In addition to the main floor, the shop also features a second story multipurpose space which will be used to host future events. It can also be rented for private parties.
“Upstairs has a beautiful event space that we just finished,” Tharp said. “People seem to love that space as much as the main floor!”
Tharp reports that business has been steady and hopes to build on this momentum by hosting book clubs and poetry open mic nights this summer. She also has big plans for the bar side in the future.
“When the bar is open, we plan to have beer, wine and signature seasonal author/book inspired cocktails. The coffee side will be fairly small, with drip coffee and a very limited espresso drink menu. People are super psyched for this and ask us daily when this will come to fruition,” Tharp said. “I’m equally excited. It is my dream!”
Tharp describes herself as an avid reader of all genres and hopes to share this love of books with the customers who enter her shop.
“Literacy is a gift and a power that everyone deserves. If I can do anything to help educate and also put a book in someone’s hands to lighten their load, that is very meaningful,” Tharp said.
Book Love Bar. 110 W. Michigan Ave., Ypsilanti. 734-714-6124. Open Wed-Thurs, 11am-6pm, Fri-Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
