This just in: Blue Manatee has found a new owner!
In December, the beloved bookstore announced it would be closing if a new owner wasn’t found by Jan. 14. Today, Blue Manatee announced on Facebook that a new owner had been found!
Blue Manatee received over 160 responses, ranging “from curious one-liners to heartfelt e-novellas, from idealistic college students, retired or current teachers and librarians, parents, grandparents, doctors, lawyers, politicians, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, philanthropists, activists, friends, families, and bibliophiles, and one particularly passionate 7.5-year-old who would have been my choice if it weren’t for labor laws (thanks, Charlie Dickens).”
The managers identified 6 finalists for formal interviews, and just selected someone to take over. The Facebook announcement said that final details are still being determined, and to stay tuned for a formal announcement naming the new owner(s).
The store will close in the meantime in order to restock and (re)assemble its “ManaTeam,” with a tentative reopen date TBD (but “soonish,” they promised).
