Entershine Bookshop

An Act of Love for the City

Good things can come from words, like conversation, books, and bookshops. A few months ago, David Tranter asked Tim Lappala if he’d ever thought about opening a bookstore. After he heard a resounding “yes,” Jennifer Wreszczak-McKenzie, Lori Carson, and Lynne Warnick came on board to form an equal partnership and a plan. Soon to follow: an ideal spot. “It’s the perfect location,” says Lappala about Entershine Bookshop’s home on Algoma Street.

The idea for the name “entershine” came from Warnick and Wreszczak-McKenzie, which they describe as the dappled light that appears through leaves in the forest. “The goal has been to design the store so it has that light in it,” says Lappala. “So it almost feels like walking into the woods—a calm space, no need to rush.” This sort of light, too, lends itself to the notion that books (good ones) have the ability to illuminate as well as entertain.

It’s been several years since Thunder Bay has had an independent bookstore, so there is an excitement about it becoming a community hub as these stores do—one that unites writers, creators, and people who love books. “We wanted Thunder Bay to have a local bookstore,” says Lappala. “We see it as an act of love for this city. And we’re excited because we feel like this city really deserves one.”

The space has received a fresh coat of paint and a new floor. Tranter has also designed and built bookshelves, making sure there is enough room for books and browsing, but also the flexibility to adjust the layout to accommodate seating for readings and book launches by local authors. “We are going to be mainly a bookstore with some quirky book-related gifts from artisans but we want to make sure we complement existing businesses and

provide something unique and different,” says Lappala.

You can expect to find the usual selection on the shelves like fiction and literature, sci-fi, and fantasy, as well as non-fiction, some graphic novels, a section for kids (complete with a kid-friendly space), and lots that will appeal to young adult readers. In addition to mainstream popular authors, they are dedicated to supporting voices from marginalized communities. What will set them apart from a larger chain is a carefully curated collection and an

aim to be responsive to the community they serve.

Entershine is also committed to being sustainable—no plastic bags or gift wrap—so make sure to bring your favourite tote when they open on July 1st. Or, buy a new one at one of the nearby shops. In the meantime, follow them on the socials for updates. They built it, we will come!