COLUMBIA — Liberation is Lit, a specialty bookstore focused on diverse literature, is moving from online to an in-person storefront at 2769 Rosewood Drive. The pop-up business will have a grand opening on May 4 from 2-5 p.m.

Tayler Simon, who owns the store, received a grant from the Made with Cola Love incubator program, an initiative that supports small businesses in Columbia. The grant funds the first month of rent for the business, as well as furnishings for the space.

Simon was previously raising money to open a brick-and-mortar location. She has raised $3,500, which will go toward hiring staff and paying for rent in the following months.

“I’m sure I have enough to stay for about two months or so,” Simon said. “I’m hoping between the business of selling the books during that month and the fundraising, we can stay afloat for a little bit longer, as well as me being able to move on to part-time staff.”

After a soft opening on May 3 and the grand opening May 4, Simon will kick the business into gear for the rest of the month with a number of events: 

• Bingo night: May 10 from 6-8 p.m.
• Trivia night: May 16 from 6-8 p.m.
• Poetry open mic night: May 18 from 6-8 p.m.
• We believe women book club: May 22 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Craft night: May 23