BROOKLYN — The Talebearer Bookstore in Brooklyn is now open and welcoming readers of all ages.

The bookstore was opened in late 2024 by Kate Manville-Schwartz, owner of the Choate Marketplace building where it is located, and purchased by Stacy Halacka in February.

Halacka decided to buy the bookstore after her daughter went to college, which meant Halacka would no longer be frequently traveling with her to show horses.

“I knew that it was coming to an end and I wanted to do something for myself,” Halacka said. 

“I’d always loved books, of course, loved reading,” she continued. “It’s kind of funny because I’m dyslexic.” 

She was diagnosed with dyslexia when she was in college, and said that “I definitely read differently.”

 But, she said, “it works and I enjoy it so much that it’s not a task. It should be encouraging to other people because if I can do it, you can do it.”

The bookstore carries hardcover and paperback books for children, young adults and adults. There is a small used-book section. Craft kits, plushies, stickers and reading glasses are a few of the other items for sale. 

The Talebearer has a story time for children on the second Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m. Halacka also hosts book signings for local authors. A book club meets on the first Thursday of the month. 

Halacka is enthusiastic about the book club because it “gets me out of my rut,” she said. Her favorite genre is historical fiction and thrillers, but she benefits from reading a book from other genres in the book club.

She also hopes to bring in a speaker to hold a program on genealogy in the future. 

Visitors can also meet Frankie, the bookstore rabbit. Halacka wrote a book, “Frankie, The Talebearer” about how he came to work at the bookstore. Frankie came from Rabbit Angels Rabbit Rescue in Kalamazoo. Halacka’s cat, who is also featured in the book, came from the Humane Society, and Halacka tries to support both organizations. 

Halacka wants the bookstore to be a place where people can come in, enjoy being there, and talk about books with her. She also wants to reach young adults in grades eight through 12. 

“I know they read for school, but that’s not the same as coming home and quieting yourself with a book, and learning to use your imagination instead of having your imagination presented to you via video games,” she said. 

“I think we’re in an age where people need to sit down, calm themselves, and use their imagination,” Halacka said. “Reading just is the quiet that I think everyone needs.”

The Talebearer is located inside the Choate Marketplace at 102 N. Main St. in Brooklyn.  Hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The bookstore can be reached by email at [email protected], by phone at 517-592-4011, or online at thetalebearerbookstore.com.