A children’s bookstore that closed following a fire in downtown Kennewick earlier this year has found a new home. 

Storytime Bookshop announced via its social media that it will reopen at 220 W. Kennewick Ave. “and it’s already shaping up to be better than ever!” 

“Our goal is have the front area open with kids, middle reader and YA/teen books by mid-June and bringing on other sections as we can,” read the post. 

The new location was formerly used by Impact! Compassion Center, a faith-based nonprofit, which closed in April, according to the Tri-City Herald.  

The bookstore, owned by Lorelei Kennedy, lost all its inventory of books and other merchandise as well as most of its furniture from water and smoke damage following the March fire at its former neighbor, El Tequilas Mexican Restaurant.  

As a result, Storytime is seeking financial donations as well as contributions of books and furniture to help it start its next chapter. 

“We are so grateful for our community that has shown up for us in ways we couldn’t even imagine,” read the bookstore’s social media post. 

El Tequilas, located at 107 W. Kennewick Ave., remains boarded up and online listings state it is temporarily closed. Another neighboring business, apothecary shop Earth Spirit, also is still closed though owner Erin Sagadin has been working to refurbish its storefront ahead of reopening while also hosting pop up sales events around downtown Kennewick and selling items online at earthspiritshop.com. 

To learn more and support Storytime’s reopening efforts, go to: storytimebookshop.com.