A new bookstore will be opening in the old Bookbound space.

Small business owners in Ann Arbor are asking: What's up with the benches around town?

Bookbound Bookstore will close its doors this summer after nearly eight years on Ann Arbor's northside.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Ann Arbor’s independent Bookbound Bookstore is taking things “one book sale at a time” as it marks its seventh anniversary, according to owner Megan Blackshear. Although only Megan and Peter are allowed in the store, Bookbound Bookstore customers can still browse its selection of books from outside the store. “So our goal is to make it through this, one book sale at a time.”Bookbound owners Megan and Peter Blackshear. (Bookbound Bookstore)While some Bookbound customers lament browsing inside the independent bookstore, Peter said they understand why it’s currently off-limits and why the Blackshears have their protocols in place. To get their book-based needs met, Bookbound customers can utilize curbside services at the store from noon to 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays.