Carmichael's Kids Book Store Is Open

Children’s books make up more than 20 percent of the business at Carmichael’s Bookstore two locations, but for years, the kids section at the Highlands shop was tiny, tucked into the front corner of the Bardstown Road store.No more. Carmichael’s Kids (1313 Bardstown Road), a bright, well-lit, spacious branch of the local award-winning bookseller located just a few doors down from the Highlands shop, celebrates its grand opening this weekend. The children’s inventory from the Bardstown Road store has already moved to the new outlet, which has been open for limited hours this week (10-5 today and tomorrow).Despite the fact that “we didn’t really officially say we’re open,” store manager Kelly Estep says she’s been pleased with the community response so far.“I’ve been really thrilled with how much traffic we’ve had and how many people have come in and been happy with what they’ve seen,” she said. “It’s been our little secret, and now we get to throw it out there, which is scary, but everyone’s been really positive and great.”The new store caters to kids ages infant through middle school, and will host weekly story times for two different age ranges – toddlers and pre-schoolers – as well as author and book-related events.

“We’re still stocking up on what we wanted to add,” Estep said. “You know, we always carry ‘A Wrinkle in Time.’ A customer came in and said, I want more Madeleine L’Engle. And I said of course, we need more Madeleine L’Engle. We just didn’t have the space for all of those things. So more Madeleine L'Engle is on the way.”The grand opening street party for Carmichael’s Kids is Sundayfrom 1-4 p.m. on Longest Avenue at Bardstown Road. The free event includes appearances by Raptor Rehab, Bernheim Forest naturalists, and a fire truck.The main Carmichael’s on Bardstown Road no longer carries kids’ books, but Carmichael’s on Frankfort Avenue will retain its children’s section.Carmichael’s Kids will be open regular hours next week: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.  – 6 p.m.