When Grosse Ile needed a place for book lovers to gather, former teacher Jennifer Lemerand made her lifelong dream come true. The Literary Hideaway opened its doors in May 2025 at 8166 Macomb Street, transforming a charming cottage into the island’s first independent bookstore and community reading space.
Where Pages Meet Coffee Cups
This independent bookstore in Grosse Ile, Michigan, offers more than just books. Step inside to find:
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General interest titles for readers of all ages
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A dedicated children’s room packed with colorful stories
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Fresh coffee, tea, beer, and wine to sip while you browse
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Baked goods from Sugar Island Baking Company that pair perfectly with your reading session
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A rotating selection of Michigan craft beers, including New Holland and Founders
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Wine options from Cabernet Sauvignon to Sauvignon Blanc
Whether you’re searching for your next page turner or a quiet spot to escape for an hour, this bookstore coffee shop combines the best of both worlds.
A Teacher’s Vision Comes to Life
Lemerand grew up on Grosse Ile and watched her community thrive without one key element: a library. Support the heart of our community—see more neighborhood favorites featured here.
“We have an extremely literate community and literacy is important to them,” she told the News Herald. While she may not have brought a traditional library to the island, she created something equally valuable: a space where knowledge, stories, and neighbors can come together.
Her background as an educator shines through in every corner of the shop, from the thoughtfully curated book selections to the welcoming atmosphere that encourages people to stay awhile.
More Than Just Books
The kids’ boutique section adds a special touch to this local business. You’ll find baby clothes and accessories carefully chosen for island families. This wasn’t a random addition. The cottage previously housed a boutique where Grosse Ile residents regularly shopped for baby gifts, and Lemerand wanted to honor that tradition while adding her own literary twist.
Book Clubs and Community Gatherings
Looking for book clubs in Grosse Ile? The Literary Hideaway hosts Tales From The Hideaway, their signature book club that brings readers together for lively discussions. Recent selections have included works like Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Book club tickets include your copy of the featured book, a non alcoholic beverage, and light bites, with additional drinks available for purchase.
The shop also welcomes children’s storytime events, creating early literacy experiences for the youngest island residents. These gatherings turn the bookstore into a true community hub where families can connect over their shared love of reading.
Planning Your Visit
Find this local bookstore near you at 8166 Macomb Street in the heart of Grosse Ile. The shop maintains convenient hours throughout the week:
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Tuesday through Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
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Friday: 10:00am to 5:30pm
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Saturday: 10:00am to 4:00pm
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Sunday: 11:00am to 4:00pm
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Monday: Closed
Can’t make it in person? The Literary Hideaway also runs an online bookshop and audiobook store, so you can support your family-owned bookstore from anywhere.
Stop By and Stay Awhile
The Literary Hideaway proves that small businesses are important to communities because they fill needs that go beyond commerce. This isn’t just a place to buy books. It’s where friends meet over lattes, where kids discover their favorite authors, and where a tight-knit island community gathers to celebrate the written word.
Visit The Literary Hideaway and find your next great read in a space built for book lovers, by a book lover.
Sources: theliteraryhideaway.com, The Literary Hideaway Facebook Page, The Literary Hideaway Instagram Page
Header Image Source: theliteraryhideaway.com
