A family owned new and used bookstore opened a second location, Branch Books 2, in Cullman in 2024. Owners Robert and Cheryl Kahlstorf opened their first location in Hartselle, Branch Books, almost seven years ago.
“We are on Facebook and post pictures almost daily of what comes into the store,” Cheryl Kahlstorf said.
Explaining part of the reasoning behind the store’s name, Kahlstorf said they have a lot of books and figured one day they would expand to two locations. “We started in Hartselle close to seven years ago and have now ‘branched out’ to Cullman over the past year.”
Some of the store’s most popular authors right now are Freida McFadden, Colleen Hoover, Sarah J. Maas and Kristin Hannah. The store also carries other items.
Employee Stephanie Sprouse said one of her favorites is the Mr. Pen highlighter set.
“They come in a pack of 20 for less than $10,” she said. “I love them because they don’t bleed through the pages and are great for highlighting in my Bible. The store is also very organized. Shelves are clearly labeled with genre and HB(hardback)/ PB(paperback). Books are shelved alphabetically by author’s last name and book title. All items are on the computer for both bookstore locations. Many people like to bring in books for store credit.”
Sprouse and her daughter, Samantha, are both part-time employees.
“Samantha enjoys photographing new books that are uploaded to Facebook,” Sprouse said. “I enjoy barcoding new inventory and taking off discards to fill local Little Free Libraries. I have my bachelor’s degree in education and enjoy helping parents and teachers select curriculum. You can also tune in nightly to ‘Bedtime Stories’ to hear me and others read some of my favorite children’s literature for Cullman Tribune’s Bedtime Stories. You can view these on Facebook and YouTube. New stories air nightly at 8 p.m.”
Sprouse said there’s always something new to look forward to at Branch Books 2.
“We have new books, DVDs and CDs that arrive daily,” she said. “All new items are posted on Facebook and can be claimed and held on the hold shelf. Transfer service is also available between Hartselle and Cullman locations, where the books are transferred to the location nearest you.”
Branch Books 2 is open six days a week at 2038 Pear Drive NW, Suite E, in Cullman.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Branchbooks2.
