FARGO — A local fantasy bookstore is turning a new page, both figuratively and literally. Emrys Cove, a haven for fans of speculative fiction, is in the midst of relocating to a space that promises to be a game-changer for the community it serves.

Originally opened in January above Moonrise Cafe in downtown Fargo, the store quickly carved out a niche for itself. Now, it's moving to a new location on First Avenue North, right next to Wurst Bier Hall. The new space is three times larger than the previous one, a leap that owners say will allow them to do much more than just sell books.

"We wanted a place where people could gather, not just browse," said Irelyn Johnson-Fowler, co-owner of Emrys Cove. The additional square footage means the store can host Dungeons & Dragons nights, book clubs, and crafting groups. It's a shift from a simple retail space to a community hub.

Johnson-Fowler, who runs the store with her partner, has always been passionate about championing independent voices. The store's inventory leans heavily on fantasy, science fiction, and horror, with a deliberate emphasis on independent authors. "I think supporting the independence is where it always starts," she said. "It's also just better for our community to focus on the independent bookstores and authors versus going to those big markets."

The move comes at a time when independent bookstores are finding new ways to thrive, often by creating experiences that online retailers can't replicate. Emrys Cove's new location offers more visibility, with street-level access that the previous upstairs spot lacked. That visibility, combined with the ability to host events, is expected to draw in both loyal customers and newcomers.

To mark the transition, the store is planning a special event. On Sunday, August 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Emrys Cove will host a sneak peek gathering in honor of Book Lovers Day. Visitors will get a first look at the new space, browse the expanded selection, and perhaps even pick up a few recommendations from the owners.

For Johnson-Fowler, the expansion is about more than just square footage. It's a chance to deepen the store's roots in Fargo's cultural landscape. "We're not just a bookstore; we're a place for people who love stories to come together," she said. "And this new space lets us do that in a way we couldn't before."

The move is also a testament to the growing appetite for genre fiction in the region. Fargo, known for its vibrant arts scene, has seen a resurgence in independent retail, and Emrys Cove is part of that wave. The store's focus on niche genres like fantasy and horror fills a gap that larger chains often overlook.

As the doors open at the new location, the owners are optimistic. They've already seen strong support from the community, and they expect that to grow. "Every time someone walks in and finds a book they love, it's a win," Johnson-Fowler said. "And now we have room for more of those moments."

Emrys Cove's journey from a small upstairs nook to a spacious storefront mirrors the adventures found in the books it sells. It's a story of growth, community, and the enduring power of imagination.