Operating Blind Forest Books on York Street in Sackville has been a dream come true for Miriam Lapp. The young tarot reader and bookseller bought the used book shop with her partner Stephen in 2017, years after having discovered its former incarnation, Rags of Time, as a “spiritual refuge” in her childhood.
But this fall, after twenty years on York Street, the shelves and stacks of books will be lugged down to a new, bigger location at 69 Main Street.
CHMA stopped in to Blind Forest Books on York Street to find out more about Lapp’s plans:
“It’s an awesome location, right next to the grocery store,” says Lapp, “even more central than we are now, if that was possible.” Lapp says the larger space behind Hedy’s Hair Care and Wild Carnivore Pet Supplies will mean higher costs, but will also allow her a dedicated space for tarot readings, and more rooms for bookshelves to peruse.
“We’re working hard to drum up the money,” says Lapp. “Could be that we’ll have to take out a loan, but I’m also finding other ways.” Lapp will offering Tarot and astrology courses, and she will be teaching yoga classes at Atlantic Yoga Therapy on Haworth Heights. https://www.atlanticyogatherapy.com
As excited as she is for the new space, Lapp is also sad to say goodbye to the York Street shop. “We’ve loved it so much. It’s so heartbreaking what’s happening with the renoviction,” says Lapp, who had been hoping to celebrate seven years on York Street this fall. Instead, she’ll be celebrating the grand opening of Blind Forest’s new location.
In May, property owners Right Coast Realty, affiliates of AIL Group, gave notice to their York Street tenants Steel Clippers, Sweet Yummyland, the Little Pantry, and Blind Forest, to vacate the property by April 30, 2025, to make way for redevelopment.
AIL vice president of finance Wendy Alder says she can still not share any details of the future plans for the property, and would not speak to rumours of a potential hotel development for the downtown site. Alder said she may be able to share the vision within the next month.
Meanwhile, Lapp is embracing the move to a new location, and says that she’s already heard offers of moving help from customers. “We know we’re loved, we’re supported,” says Lapp. “And one way or another, we’re gonna make it work. We’re gonna make it happen.”
Her enthusiasm is palpable. “It’s everyone’s dream to own a used bookstore,” says Lapp. “My inner child is absolutely thrilled that this is what I’m doing with my career and my life.”
