Grand Opening of the new Webster’s Bookstore Café April 14 10 am until 8 pm

[STATE COLLEGE, PA]—Webster’s Bookstore Cafe is pleased to announce its Grand Opening celebration on April 14, 2012 from 10 am until 8 pm at their new location at 133 East Beaver Avenue, State College, PA.  A ribbon-cutting will take place at 10am at the Humes Alley entrance, attended by the Mayor of State College, Elizabeth Goreham.  

“We’re happy to introduce our new location to the community and to those who helped bring this project to fruition,” said Elaine Meder-Wilgus, Owner. “The grand opening celebration for Webster’s Bookstore Cafe marks the launch of a new model for bookstores across the country as they move toward becoming cultural and community centers.”

Linda Feltman, Business Analyst with the Penn State Small Business Development Center, commented that “It is gratifying to see all of Elaine’s hard work come together for her with this new location.  She has been tenacious in her resolve to find a way to bring this beloved café back to the downtown. We are pleased to have been one of the resource partners that she utilized to guide her along that path.” 

The new location on Beaver Avenue features an expanded bookstore with increased space for community events. Elaine said “This new Webster’s has ample space to blend the café into the bookstore without having tables and chairs blocking the bookshelves. We'll still have cozy nooks and comfortable places to sit, but you'll never have to ask someone to move so you can see a book.  It's twice as big as the store on Allen Street so we've been able to combine our warehouse Internet operation into the same location, dramatically increasing the number of volumes for patrons to browse.  Plus, we are delighted that Josh Ferko's Stax of Trax Record Shop will be back with us as well.”   

Elaine further observed that she has planned many new exciting events, including Open Mic Nights, Poetry Slams, Book Readings, Readers Theater and Theme Dinners and a Sunday Brunch featuring local music.  Loyal patrons will once again find a full line of shade-grown organic Fair Trade coffee and espresso drinks, over 90 loose-leaf teas and the much anticipated launch of The Pie Whole, featuring delicious pies by the slice or whole pies for take-home enjoyment. Years before ‘buying local’ was a near mantra, Elaine had a policy of buying from local vendors whenever possible and continues to seek similar standards of environmental and community concern in choosing all of her vendors. Patrons can also look forward to new menu items and they’ll be able to grab a coffee faster than ever.  

The grand opening event will feature free samples of new menu items, door prizes, and information stations throughout the store.  Attendees will be eligible for a Grand Prize Drawing and will get details about upcoming events at Webster’s. A full two weeks of events are planned for the Grand Opening Celebration, wrapping up with a Poetry Festival during the last weekend of April. 

At 1:00 pm on the 14th, there will be a presentation by Ron “Doc” Wilkerson author of “Looking for Lincoln” followed by a book signing. “Doc” is well-known as a storyteller from his years as a popular high-school teacher at State High.

Contact: Elaine Meder-Wilgus, Proprietor

Email: elaine@webstersbookstorecafe.com                                          

Store:  814-272-1410