Barnes & Noble is back in Bryn Mawr | Inquirer Lower Merion
Plus, details on an alleged ticketing scheme and Montco's DEI expansion.
Happy Thursday, Lower Merion! đź‘‹
Can I get a “Go Birds”? We’ve got everything you need to know about the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade tomorrow (including important Regional Rail changes) in case you’re one of the more than a million expected to join in the celebrations. Plus, we take a look at the return of the Barnes & Noble in Bryn Mawr, details on an alleged ticketing scheme, and a look at why Montgomery County officials are doubling down on DEI.
As always, let us know if you have feedback. Are we missing something? Should we add a section? What community events or groups should we keep an eye on? You can tell us by taking our survey or emailing us at lowermerion@inquirer.com.
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Barnes & Noble has made a surprise return to its Bryn Mawr location along Lancaster Avenue almost two decades after closing. And while the move comes as part of a dramatic expansion for the company, it’s one that hasn’t been met with the warmest reception by local booksellers.
Planning to check out the location soon? Expect two stories, a cafe, bathroom, plenty of seating, and room for events to help the Barnes & Noble provide a “third space” for the community. As part of the approach this time around, what’s in stock will be left to local control instead of influence coming from “top down,” said its manager.
“The Main Line [is] arguably the ideal market for book retailing because of its education levels, affluence, and density,” Steven Gartner, executive vice president with real estate services firm CBRE’s Philadelphia office, who brokered the real estate deal for Barnes & Noble, told reporter Jake Blumgart. “The western suburbs once had three national bookstores then went to none. They should do extraordinarily well here.”
You can read all about the store’s return here.
đź’ˇ Community News
Administrative buildings and libraries will be closed Monday for President’s Day, but refuse and recycling collection will be running on a regular schedule, according to the township.
Two Lower Merion court clerks allegedly pocketed nearly $7,500 in fines from traffic tickets — a scheme that District Attorney Kevin Steele said “undermines the integrity of the judicial system.”
A Bala Cynwyd family made their debut on Family Feud this week, and the back-story of how they got there is extra sweet. (Birthdays are a really big deal for these siblings.)
Montgomery County officials are doubling down on expanding their DEI office while President Donald Trump pushes against diversity policies. Here’s why.
We spoke with Carole Ben-Maimon, CEO of Bala Cynwyd-based Larimar Therapeutics, and other Philly-area leaders about how more women can rise into business leadership. Her advice? Find flexibility.
A fire destroyed a home along Centennial Road over the weekend. No injuries have been reported, and the cause is under investigation. (CBS3)
Catch up with Cavell Music Studio, the Bala Cynwyd studio that got a special shout-out from Sabrina Carpenter during her Grammy acceptance speech. (WHYY)
Lower Merion officials delayed plans for parking changes near Penn Road and Sabine Avenue by Lower Merion High School until another safety study and assessment of neighboring streets can be completed. (Main Line Times & Suburban)
Gilda Mann Ellis, of Haverford, a prolific artist and lifelong arts advocate, has died at her home of complications from a stroke at the age of 96.
Jeannette Flamm Brockman, of Haverford, a celebrated photographer and former assistant dean at Penn, has died at the age of 87. Her work has been displayed across the country, as well as in her backyard at Haverford College.
🏫 Schools Briefing
Talk about good timing: Lower Merion students have off Friday for a planned staff development day, coinciding with the Eagles’ Super Bowl parade. Schools are also closed Monday for President’s Day.
High school graduates will walk the stage at Villanova University once again after officials approved contracts to hold ceremonies for Lower Merion and Harriton high schools at the university. (Main Line Times & Suburban)
U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean recently spoke out against Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education. Citing her background as an educator at La Salle, Dean said Democrats will “stand in the way” of any efforts through litigation, legislation, and “mobilization of citizens” during an interview on MSNBC’s “The Weekend.” (MSNBC)
🍽️ On our Plate
Planning a romantic night out? Look no further than our roundup of 11 restaurants for a date night in the suburbs, highlighting nearby favorites like Lark, DePaul’s Table Steakhouse, and others.
🎳 Things to Do
🎥 Sleepless in Seattle: A ticket to the screening of this Oscar-nominated romcom starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks comes with a cocktail from The Grog Grill. // ⏰ Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:15 p.m. 💵 $13 members, $16 non-members📍Bryn Mawr Film Institute
🦅 Eagles Super Bowl parade: Venture into the city to celebrate the Eagles’ victory against the Kansas City Chiefs. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue and continues toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art where ceremonies are expected to begin at 2 p.m. // ⏰ Friday, Feb. 14, 11 a.m.📍Find parade and SEPTA Regional Rail info here
🎥 Little Mermaid: Spend a Saturday afternoon with the kids watching a Disney classic. // ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. 💵 $6 adults, $5 kids📍Bryn Mawr Film Institute
🎤 Splintered Sunlight, Grateful Dead tribute: Check out a Grateful Dead tribute band that’s been at it for more than 25 years. // ⏰ Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. 💵 $20 general admission📍Ardmore Music Hall
🎤 Rolling Stones vs. The Beatles featuring Brown Sugar and the Newspaper Taxis: A head-to-head featuring tribute bands for these two iconic groups. // ⏰ Sunday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. 💵 $18-$45📍Ardmore Music Hall
🏡 On the Market
Overlooking the Schuylkill River, this four-bedroom, five-bathroom home in Gladwyne is going for $1,695,000. It’s got an open layout and lots of natural light, but the 3,380-square-foot home’s most impressive feature might just be its views.
Have you seen an interesting listing in or around Lower Merion? Share it with us in an email to lowermerion@inquirer.com.
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