Flying Bear Books

Flying Bear Books co-owner Eric Johnson

Photo and article by Donna Iverson 

 N3 note: Ms. Iverson's name can usually be found in our Leisure section where her popular 'Hands in the Dirt' column delivers gardening guidance in an ever-appealing manner. In a recent visit to Newaygo she found literary refuge in FBB and was inspired to write this most welcome piece for us.
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Not every Michigan city has its own local bookstore on its main street, but Newaygo does. 
Flying Bear Books is located at 79 State Road and it came under new management about 10 weeks ago, according to its new owners Krystal and Eric Johnson.

Both Krystal and Eric are long-time Newago residents. “We grew up in downtown Newaygo,” said Eric in a recent telephone interview. Eric was previously employed in advertising and worked for the state Department of Health and Human Services.  Krystal most recently served as president of the Friends of Newago public library.

In addition to 6000 children’s books, the book store carries best sellers, classics, art books, westerns, books for teens and adults, Michigan nature and culture books, and shelves and shelves of used books for your perusal. Soon, the bookstore will offer coffee and crepes from its newly renovated kitchen, Eric continued.  

The book store also features open mic night on Fridays from 6 to 9 pm, with local musicians taking to the stage.  Rotating art exhibits are on display.  The most recent is one by Newaygo artist Gabe Schillman.  The shop also holds local author book signings and seminars. The last seminar on Veterans Day featured the book  “Out of Albania.” The book is a true account of an WWII underground rescue mission. The authors are Lawrence and Clinton Abbott of Newago. 

Next up is a new book club which will meet for the first time on Wednesday, January 18 at 6 pm. “There will be an open discussion of all books people are reading,” Eric said. There will also be a featured book, George Orwell’s 1984, available at the store. A poetry reading night is being scheduled for next month, he added. 

For more information about the books and events, check out their Facebook page at Flying Bear Books or call 231.414.4056. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 6 pm.

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