Courtesy Photo The Michigan Wall focusing on authors from around the state is just one of the new features of Parallel 45 Books & Gifts.

Three weeks ago, Blue Phoenix Books in downtown Alpena changed hands when local author and teacher, Chanda Stafford, and her husband Jeff, purchased the bookstore from local realtor Joanna Cooper.

Blue Phoenix Books was originally opened by Kim Krajniak, who sold it in 2016 to Cooper who also, at the time, owned As You Wish Gourmet Eatery. Cooper combined her love of reading and flare for interior design to create a new version of this beloved store.

Now renamed Parallel 45 Books & Gifts, the store offers even more for shoppers, just in time for the holiday season. Chanda Stafford hopes to incorporate her passion for books with the local history and charm of Northern Michigan. For the past three weeks, they’ve been stocking the shelves with new titles for all ages, as well as unique gifts for the whole family.

Aside from new books, Stafford is also implementing several programs. A newly created Michigan wall celebrates books that are set around the state. New punch cards offer buyers 25% off after they’ve purchased 10 books. There will also be a book club centered around the critically acclaimed television series, “Poldark.” She is also exploring the possibility of holding writing and publishing classes after the holiday season, as she has written and published several books both under her name and a pen name.

As a way to welcome the public, Parallel 45 Books & Gifts will be holding an open house from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday to formally kick off this new adventure. All books and pre-paid pre-orders will be 20% off, and refreshments and snacks will be available.