By Sterling McGinn
The Newberry Community is now home to a book and game store.
Northern Nook opened its doors on October 8 at 501 West McMillan Avenue, a building formerly occupied by State Farm Insurance.
Northern Nook is owned by Jamie Holbrook and Jacob Ubbing, who are both employed at L.P. in Newberry. Holbrook’s husband, Ryan, and a few of their friends also help out around the store.
In addition to selling books, Northern Nook offers board games, which range from solo to teams of 8-12 players, puzzles from 300 to 1,000 pieces, and video games. They will be offering 5,000-piece puzzles very soon.
The idea of opening a store, Holbrook said, stemmed from playing board games together with a group of friends, which is something they do often.
“We wanted a place where we could all hang out, but also heard of other people in the community wanting to play games,” Holbrook said. “We wanted to create a space for them as well.”
Northern Nook carries a wide variety books. “There is young adult, kids—we have romance all the way to thriller, non-fiction, some literary fiction,” she said.
“We wanted to share books as well —it is hard to get them—you have to travel an hour or wait for amazon for days,” said Holbrook.
The store also carries books from local authors, Upper Peninsula-related stories and Upper Peninsula stories, and used books.
“I think it is a great addition to our growing community,” said Newberry resident Tina Tuyo. “I just bought a stack of books I have been wanting and it was so nice not having to go out of town to get them. Jamie is knowledgeable and makes great recommendations.”
The owners continue to add books that customers have been requesting.
“If you don’t see it here, feel free to ask and we will get it coming,” Holbrook said.
Another feature will be a room that will be available for groups playing Dungeons & Dragons.
“I know of three groups that have reached out and talked to us because they heard that a game store was opening up,” Holbrook said. “We want to open that room up for rental—if they want to play three hours, they rent the room for that long.”
Holbrook is working with the Dungeons & Dragons vendors to supply the figurines and books. They are also working to get Warhammer games as well.
The store is open Wednesday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday is 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Every Saturday afternoon and evening, the store will welcome everyone to play and learn new board games.
“Saturday night, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., we pick a game, and you pay $4 to play, and you learn and test out the game. If you decide to purchase the game that night, you will get a discount on it,” Holbrook said. “You get to hang out with friends, get to know people, and play the games.”
Tina Tuyo also hopes to collaborate with the store and her local book club for some events in the near future.
