On the quiet hush of the Winter Solstice, when daylight tiptoes and stories seem to glow a little brighter, StorySprout slipped into Longs Card & Books—a place where words have been waiting patiently for generations.
She started by doing what she does best: visiting every single genre. From towering stacks of mysteries and well-loved classics to glossy new covers whispering, choose me, StorySprout wandered with wide eyes and an open heart. Each aisle felt like a different world, and she greeted old favorites like dear friends—pausing, smiling, and giving a tiny nod of gratitude to the stories that have been read a thousand times and loved just as much.
But it was the children’s section that wrapped her in a special kind of magic.
There, among picture books and chapter tales brimming with brave heroes, gentle lessons, and sparkly surprises, StorySprout perched carefully on the shelves. She swung her legs, leaned in close, and listened. Stories hummed softly as if they recognized her. She pulled out her little notebook—the one she carries everywhere—and began to write. Titles, themes, kind moments, brave choices. Notes for later. Seeds for Kindness Grove.
Every page turned felt like a promise.
As the afternoon light faded and the solstice settled in, StorySprout gathered her notes, tucked them safely away, and took one last look around. Longs Card & Books wasn’t just a store—it was a keeper of memories, a bridge between generations, a place where stories sit patiently until they find the right hands.
With a grateful heart (and a notebook full of treasures), StorySprout headed back to Kindness Grove—ready to share the stories she found, and the kindness they carry.
Sometimes, the shortest day of the year brings the brightest stories.
π Store Spotlight: Longs Card & Books
Tucked into the heart of Penn Yan, Longs Card & Books is more than a bookstore—it’s a treasured gathering place where generations have discovered their first favorite story, picked out the perfect card, or wandered the aisles simply to see what might catch their eye.
Shelves here don’t just hold books; they hold memories. From timeless classics and thoughtful gifts to a children’s section that feels like an invitation to dream, Longs is the kind of place where you slow down without realizing it. It’s where parents bring children, grandparents bring grandchildren, and stories quietly pass from hand to hand.
For StorySprout, it’s a familiar and beloved stop—a place that feels rooted, welcoming, and gently magical in every season, but especially on a winter day when the world outside is hushed and the pages inside are alive with possibility.
If you’re looking for a reminder of why local bookstores matter, step inside Longs Card & Books. You might arrive for a card or a quick browse—but chances are, you’ll leave carrying a story you didn’t even know you needed.
A place where stories wait patiently… and always feel like home.
115 Main St, Penn Yan, NY
Website
A Note from Keuka Roots
Places like this remind us why stories—and the spaces that hold them—matter so deeply. They connect generations, spark imagination, and keep small-town magic alive in quiet, meaningful ways. We’re grateful for the shops that welcome wonder, nurture curiosity, and make room for stories to grow.
Stay Rooted. Stay Curious. Stay Keuka. π±π
