With support from her husband, Jordan, and three kids, Randi Witt, Ivan, Ava, and Lydia will take ownership of the Hedgehog.INK! bookstore at 16 S. Main on February 1.
The phone number will remain the same (620) 670-2752 but the email: hedgehogbookstore@gmail.com is new. Both the website and Facebook page will remain the same.
“We will take over running those on Feb. 1,” Randi said.
The store was opened by Jan and Dick Hedges in 2018, and Dick died in 2022. Jan announced in December 2023 that she was selling the bookstore.
“I heard about Jan planning to sell the store, and I knew this was the opportunity I had been waiting for,” Randi said. “Jan and Dick created a magical space that makes you feel good when you walk inside. The store has something for everyone, from books to unique items and gifts.”
The whole family enjoys bookstores.
“In college, Jordan and I would frequently visit a used bookstore in downtown Lawrence,” she said. “Now we enjoy taking our kids to bookstores. Hopefully, our bookstore can give others the same memorable experience and be a place they want to frequently visit.”
The name of the bookstore will remain the same.
“Even though I will be the new owner, I see this as a continuation of the amazing bookstore Jan and Dick brought to our community,” she said. ” I plan to put my own spin on the space and expand our offerings over time. I will continue to accept books for credit or donation. In addition to books, you can purchase journals, art supplies, candy, handmade purses, goat milk soaps, and lavender products. We definitely want to continue supporting local authors. Please follow us on social media for updates as we grow!”
“I am going to explore expanding hours of operation and will announce that on social media,” she said.
The current hours of operation will be Monday 10 am – 2 pm and Tuesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.
“I will be running the store day to day, and I will rely on help from my kids,” Randi said. “This is definitely a family venture.”