Otto Bookstore spruces up children's section with new mural

Williamsport, Pa. — A locally-owned bookstore in downtown Williamsport is focusing on giving kids the opportunity to read and play in the children's section of the store, which now features a new mural painted by a local artist.

Otto Bookstore's owner, Kathryn Nassberg, along with Manager John Shableski, sat down with NorthcentralPa.com to talk about their aspirations for the space, and how the mural adds to the children's section.

Nassberg spoke about how she envisions that the space will be somewhere that kids can sit and play, "have their space in the store," and choose what they want to read.

The mural of the tree, which Shableski said is modeled after a sycamore tree, was painted by artist, muralist, and window painter, Mandi Engel. Engel, hailing from Jersey Shore, is the bookstore's "go-to artist," as she has painted their windows for different events and seasons.

"We are thrilled to have her," said Nassberg.

The children's section is still a work in progress, according to the owner and the manager.

Upcoming plans include involving kids in the naming of the tree. Children will be able to submit suggestions to the bookstore with what they would like the tree to be called. There are also plans to add leaves with children's names to the tree as they complete reading goals.

"There is more art to come," said Nassberg.

The children's section is also host to Sunday Storytimes, which happen twice a month at the bookstore. The next Storytime will take place this coming Sunday, Nov. 10 at noon.

Nassberg and Shableski were also excited for an upcoming visit from the award-winning author and illustrator, Anika Orrock, on Nov. 16.