A beloved staple of the Sackville community, adored by Mt. A students, is the local used book store and tarot business Blind Forest Books. Co-owned by Miriam Lapp, Blind Forest Books is a local mom-and-pop shop. Under Lapp, the store had been open for seven years, and before that, it had been operated for fifteen years under the name Rags of Time. Blind Forest Books’ recent reno-eviction gained lots of media attention back in April, putting Lapp on CTV and Global News. This journey has led the beloved shop to move from their home of 22 years to a new spot on Main Street.
In April 2024, multiple small businesses on York Street. were told that they would be evicted for renovation purposes by their landlords to redevelop that stretch of street into a strip of properties. Blind Forest Books is one of the properties to go. After Lapp’s interview on CTV and Global News, a miracle happened. “[The interviews] led to other landlords coming out of the woodwork and telling us that they had spaces we could move into,” said Lapp, who is beyond grateful for the community’s support in moving the store. The saying ‘what’s meant to be will be,’ applies to what Lapp experienced when she saw what would become the new home of Blind Forest Books. “When I went to look at the [location] at 69 Main St., I knew right away that it was the perfect one.” Lapp’s ability to find a new home for the store was a success for her family and the community.
Lapp strives to make Blind Forest Books a welcoming and accepting environment, and she is very excited to show off the brand-new space. The grand reopening for the new location happens to fall on Blind Forest’s seventh anniversary as a business on October 10. Lapp has big plans for that week. “We’ll probably have one of our two, three, four sales where you get 10 percent off if you find two books, 15 percent off if you find three, and 20 percent off if you find four or more! There will probably be a special on tarot readings for that.”
Other than specials on books and tarot readings, getting to come out and see the new space will be a great way to support them and see, as Lapp described, “The cool ways that it’s going to be decorated and made to feel extra magical and Blind Forest-y!” If you have seen the original Blind Forest location, you know that is the truth! “It [has] definitely been bittersweet because I poured my whole heart and soul into this place.” Lapp shares, reminiscing on her time on York Street. “But it’s exciting to get to set it up myself, really make it my own this time because we took over the previous setup and I added the tarot table. But this time it’s all me, all mine!” While the York Street spot will be missed, getting to see Lapp’s setup and personal touches shine through on the new place is an exciting opportunity in the works.
Hearing all about this wild journey that Lapp has been a part of with Blind Forest Books has been incredible. Small businesses in Sackville are the hearts of the community, not only to the students but also to those who call Sackville home. “We’re in behind Hedy Hair Care and Wild Carnivore Pet Foods are in the front, and we’re down the side on the Wild Carnivore side.” The address is 69 Main St., and if you want to keep updated on Blind Forest Books you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram @blindforestbooks. If you are interested in tarot and astrology, you can follow Lapp for the tarot side of the business, @blind.forest.tarot, as well.
