PHOTO PROVIDED A picture shows a section of Otto’s Bookstore while under construction.

WILLIAMSPORT — After months of construction and anticipation, The Otto Bookstore is entering the final phase of its first-ever expansion, with an open house celebration planned May 1-3 to welcome the community into the newly expanded space.

The independent bookstore, a cornerstone of downtown Williamsport for more than 180 years, has nearly doubled in size with the addition of a neighboring storefront along West Fourth Street. The expansion connects the original store to the new space through a custom-built archway, creating a seamless experience for visitors.

To mark the milestone, the Otto Bookstore will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. Friday, May 1. The store will also participate in Williamsport’s First Friday later that day, opening at 5 p.m. with live music from Cait Coller.

The open house will continue through May 3, offering visitors a chance to explore the expanded space, browse new sections and experience the bookstore’s enhanced offerings.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to not only expand the bookstore’s physical space, but also the kinds of events we can offer,” said co-owner Kathryn Nassberg. “We want the Otto Bookstore to be a place of learning, discovery, and community here in Williamsport, and the updated location will allow us to do that with an even greater impact.”

“This represents a pivotal moment for the Otto Bookstore, and Kathryn and I are excited to usher in this change,” added co-owner Isak Sidenbladh.

The additional space allows the bookstore to significantly grow its inventory and programming. New and expanded sections include early childhood literacy, memory support resources for families affected by dementia and collections centered on regional outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping and eco-tourism.

A key addition is a dedicated event space designed to host author readings, book launches, midnight releases, book clubs, private parties and community gatherings.

General Manager John Shableski said the project has been one of the most ambitious in the store’s long history.

“The expansion means we are literally doubling the size of our operations, and that alone is one of the biggest events in the history of this store,” Shableski said. “It’s going to take a lot of work to complete, but we have the best people here who are all pitching in to make it happen while continuing to serve our customers.”

City officials say the bookstore’s growth reflects the strength of downtown Williamsport.

“Otto Bookstore has long been a cornerstone of our downtown, and its decision to double its footprint speaks volumes about the vitality of our community,” said Mayor Derek Slaughter. “Independent bookstores create spaces where people gather, ideas are shared and downtowns come alive.”

Founded in 1841, The Otto Bookstore is recognized as one of the nation’s oldest independently owned bookstores. Now, with its expansion nearing completion, the store is preparing to turn the page on its next chapter — one that continues to bring readers, families and the community together.

Community members are encouraged to attend the open house events May 1-3 or visit the store to experience the expanded space firsthand.

For updates and additional information, follow The Otto Bookstore on social media.