A space for sober social interaction opens in Ishpeming

This story was produced by My UP News correspondent Jessica Goska. Find the original story here.

Book lovers, art enthusiasts, and those in search of a sober social space open in the evenings will soon get just what they’re looking for in downtown Ishpeming. 

November 9, local artist Kitty Capelle, owner of Hope-Dreams Art and Bats Amore Used Books, will hold the grand opening of her physical store in the historic Gossard building. 

Capelle’s art and used books business will offer an indoor space for sober social interaction after work hours and will serve as a place for constructive activities like reading, writing and arts and crafts. 

Shoppers will be able to purchase take-and-make art kids at the store, and Capelle will host art lessons some nights at the shop. Pre-registration for the lessons will be available at the Hope-Dreams website. 

During the month of November, those participating in National Novel Writing Month can stop in Friday evenings for special write nights. 

“It’s more than just a used bookstore and it’s more than just an art space. It’s kind of a place to build that community. That, like, positive, strong community,” said Capelle of the business. 

The sober aspect of the store was important to Capelle from the beginning. 

“There are so many reasons people don’t drink,” Capelle said. She plans to sell mocktails and other canned drinks, as well as pre-packaged snacks, so customers can get the ‘going out’ experience without the alcohol. 

Customers can also contribute to the “Bat Tax” jar at the checkout, which buys the shop dog Bat a cookie. 

Bat will be at the store most days, including the grand opening, to cuddle up with customers, and community members are welcome to bring their friendly dogs into the shop as well, though there will be dog-free days at the store. 

At the grand opening event November 9 from 3-7 p.m., Capelle says people can expect “lots of fun things.” 

Local author Jana Robers will be in attendance to sign copies of the newly released second book in her series “Sins of the Father,” and Plant Daddy Ashley will be at the store for a plant swap. 

Following the grand opening, the store’s hours of operation will be 5:45-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, 5:45-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 12:30-5 p.m. Saturday. 

Any adjustments to the store’s hours will be available on the business websites.