Books Branch Now Open in Cullman

Branch Books sells new and used books and other items. (Lauren Estes)

CULLMAN, Alabama. – This summer, a family-owned bookstore opened a second location, Branch Books, in Cullman.

Branch Books owners Robert and Cheryl Kahlstorf opened their first location, in Hartselle, five years ago. The idea to open the second location came after some of their Hartselle customers told them they were sad to see a bookstore in Cullman close.

“A lot of our readers and customers live in Cullman,” Cheryl Kahlstorf said. “Several of them asked us if we would open a location in Cullman. Since we had a lot more books than we could display in Hartselle, we decided to open one in Cullman as well.”

Kahlstorf said opening a second location was a lot easier than starting the first.

“We now have a better understanding of what kind of books people are interested in,” she said. “With prices going up on everything, we want to give people the opportunity to still be able to read for a reasonable price.”

Each store has a Facebook page where updates and new items are shared.

“People love to bring in books for credit,” Kahlstorf said. “We thought it would be fun to post pictures of all those books as they come in, so the customers always know what came in before we put them on the shelves. People now message us when the pictures are posted and tell us which ones they want.”

Branch Books sells new and second-hand books, with a focus on second-hand books.

“We also sell DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, Playaways (children’s audiobooks), etc.,” Kahlstorf said. “We have a large selection of homeschool books and children’s books, as well as young adult and senior books. There’s also a signed book section and a collectible book section for people who want to use books to decorate their homes.”

The Cullman location has been open since the first week of July. It is located at 2038 Pear Drive NW, Suite E, directly behind Fro’z Shaved Ice.

“Follow us on Facebook to see the newest products in every store,” Kahlstorf said.