"Local Bookstore Is Moving"...How Residents Moved 9,000 Books in Just Two Hours

About 300 People Form Human Chain
Passing Books Hand to Hand... Move Completed in Two Hours
Bookstore Says "Thank You for Helping with the Move"

In a small town in Michigan, USA, residents joined forces to help a local bookstore move, drawing attention as they collectively carried thousands of books. Lining up along the street, the residents passed books from hand to hand to transport them from the bookstore.

In Chelsea, Michigan, USA, 300 residents voluntarily came forward to help relocate Serendipity Bookstore, drawing attention. Serendipity Bookstore Instagram

According to a recent report by the Associated Press, around 300 residents in Chelsea, Michigan, voluntarily gathered to assist with the relocation of Serendipity Bookstore. Chelsea is a small town with a population of about 5,300, and Serendipity Bookstore has been a part of the community since 1997.

The bookstore announced its planned move this January and asked local residents for help, and the townspeople responded by pitching in together.

The residents formed two human chains, passing books one by one to each other, and moved 9,100 books to the new location, which was 100 meters away. People of all ages, from young children to seniors, gathered to help with the move. Michelle Tupelin, who has owned the bookstore since 2017, said, "So many people wanted to help with the move."

The move took less than two hours. The Associated Press reported, "This was much faster than hiring a moving company to pack and unpack thousands of books," adding, "They even managed to shelve the books in alphabetical order again."

Tupelin said, "This was not only a practical way to move the books, but also a way for everyone to participate," adding, "As people passed the books along, they would say things like, 'I haven't read this one yet,' or 'This is a good book.'"

Casey Friess, an employee at the bookstore, said, "It's a small town, but people really look out for each other," adding, "This shows just how special this community is."

After the move was completed, the bookstore once again expressed gratitude to the local residents. Through its website, Serendipity Bookstore said, "When we asked for your help, you showed up," and added, "Thank you, Chelsea residents."