Cheryl Kahlstorf has owned and operated Branch Books with her husband for the last five years on Nance Ford Road, and her commitment to literacy and books in general is unparalleled by anyone else.
Branch Books is a small store lined from shelf to shelf with the ideas and stories of thousands of authors throughout history, and its drive is to help spread the love of literature throughout Hartselle. Their generosity has led them to donate novels to Hartselle High School throughout the years while maintaining a stockpile of books themselves. Their nearly perfect rating speaks for itself on their amazing customer service and ability to provide their customers with the utmost satisfaction.
The idea to start Branch Books came from Cheryl’s pure devotion and enthusiasm to the art of reading and writing as she “just had so many books that she needed a place for.” What started as a simple plan would soon multiply into the gorgeous factory of knowledge and entertainment that it is today. Over the last year and a half with incredible persistence and determination, Cheryl was able to expand her business to nearly twice the size that she started, cultivating an entirely new room filled with the minds of Stephen King, George R. R. Martin and many, many more.
In 2020, Cheryl had to close down for two weeks because of Covid-19, and in a time when many small businesses were being challenged to stay open, she was able to not only maintain her bookstore, but was able to strive against the circumstances. Since many have taken to shopping online or resorted to E-readers, it might seem difficult to combat against these foes, yet this decline in the physical practice of book seeking has not affected Branch Books. Defying the odds of struggle, Cheryl saw that “there had been an uptake since we opened the other side up.”
Branch Books is a staple in Hartselle’s small businesses and is important to the indoctrination of the joy that a love for reading can bring to you.
Written by Jaylin Daniel
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