Birmingham, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Thank You Books, a beloved bookstore in Birmingham, is set to double its floor space by early spring 2026 as it prepares to celebrate its sixth anniversary. The expansion will allow for a larger inventory and wider offerings, building on strong community support, especially during the pandemic. The owners aim to create a welcoming environment emphasizing literary diversity while maintaining current operations.
Birmingham Bookstore Thank You Books to Expand Floor Space
Thank You Books, located on Crestwood Boulevard in Birmingham, is planning to expand its operations, with the potential to double its floor space by early spring 2026. The bookstore will celebrate its sixth anniversary in December 2025, and this expansion marks a significant growth milestone for the business.
The owners of Thank You Books have signed a deal to take over the space previously occupied by The Total Joint Physical Therapy, which has relocated within the Crestwood Village Shopping Center. This expansion will be the first since 2021, when a larger children’s section was added to the bookstore.
Co-owner Kristen Iskandrian has stated that the new, larger space will allow for more inventory and an expansion of offerings while maintaining current operations. The design of this new space will be created by designer Morgan Sowards.
Community Support and Operations
Thank You Books, which opened in December 2019, has enjoyed strong community support that played a crucial role in helping the bookstore survive the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. During this period, the business adapted by implementing online ordering, offering curbside service, and local delivery, which enhanced its connection with the community.
Co-owner Elizabeth Goodrich noted that Thank You Books has fostered a sense of community among local book lovers, becoming a popular gathering place. The store focuses on curated collections, emphasizing literary fiction while also including a diverse range of genres from poetry to children’s books, theology, and fantasy.
The store also operates a subscription service known as the “Signed First Editions Club”, which offers curated monthly book selections. Additionally, Thank You Books hosts various events, including author signings and community partnerships, such as book drives and collaborations with local organizations.
A Women-Owned Business
Thank You Books is proud to be a women-owned business, founded by three women who partnered to fulfill their dream of creating a community-centered bookstore. The knowledgeable booksellers at Thank You Books are encouraged to read widely and recommend diverse titles to customers, further enriching the bookstore’s offerings.
In February 2026, one of the co-owners, Laura Lilly Cotten, is set to relocate back to Georgia. The expansion of Thank You Books represents an important development in the local literacy landscape, providing Birmingham residents with increased access to books and a welcoming environment for literary discussions.
Key Features of Thank You Books Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Location | Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham |
| Future Floor Space | Will double its floor space |
| Anniversary Celebration | Sixth anniversary in December 2025 |
| Previous Tenant | Occupied by The Total Joint Physical Therapy |
| Completion Date | Expected by early spring 2026 |
| Previous Expansion | Larger children’s section added in 2021 |
| Special Features | Curated collections, subscription service, community events, author signings |
FAQ
What plans does Thank You Books have for expansion?
Thank You Books is planning an expansion that will potentially double its floor space by 2026.
When is Thank You Books’ sixth anniversary?
The bookstore will celebrate its sixth anniversary in December 2025.
What is the expected completion date for the expansion?
The expansion is expected to be completed by early spring of 2026.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Popular Birmingham Bookstore Doubling in Space
- Alabama News Center: Thank You Books Creates Community
- Bham Now: Thank You Books Presents John Green
- CBS 42: Thank You Books Hosting Conversation
- Style Blueprint: Bookstores in Birmingham, AL
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google Search: Birmingham Bookstores
- Google Scholar: Birmingham Bookstore Thank You Books
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- Google News: Birmingham Bookstore Expansion
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The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
