BUCYRUS – The only independent bookstore in Marion has brought its love of books to Crawford County.
Birch Tree Bookery, co-owned by Crystal and Justin Bessler, officially opened its second location at 1810 E Mansfield St., Bucyrus, thanks in part to funding from the Small Business Microloan Program administered by the Crawford Partnership in collaboration with the Community Foundation for Crawford County.
Originally established in Marion County, Birch Tree Bookery offers a wide selection of new and used books, unique bookish items, and full-service book fairs for local PreK-12 schools, organizations, and businesses.
The microloan helped cover the first few months of the lease, enabling the Besslers to establish roots in the Bucyrus community.
“We are thrilled to open our second location in Bucyrus!” said Crystal Bessler. “Knowing how many of our loyal readers call Crawford County home made this the perfect choice.
“The support from the Crawford Partnership was instrumental; it allows us to expand our mission by engaging with more readers, enlarging our school book fair program, and offering our curated selection to help everyone find their next great read,” said Makenna Laser, Executive Director of Crawford Partnership.
“Supporting local entrepreneurs like Justin and Crystal strengthens our community, creates jobs, and brings new opportunities for residents. Birch Tree Bookery’s expansion is a perfect example of our mission in action.”
The Crawford Partnership Small Business Microloan Program is designed to help local entrepreneurs start, grow, and expand businesses in Crawford County, providing critical access to capital when it is most needed.
About Birch Tree Bookery
Birch Tree Bookery is an independent bookstore offering new and used books, bookish gifts, and full-service book fairs for schools, organizations, and businesses. The Bucyrus location is now open to the public at 1810 E Mansfield St.
About Crawford Partnership
The Crawford Partnership is a non-profit organization dedicated to making Crawford
County a place where people seek to live and work through strategic economic and
community development.