Book Nook promotes literacy, helps the needy

EAST LIVERPOOL - Arlene Clark can't find enough good words to say about the Second Chance Book Nook.

"This bookstore is awesome, fabulous," she said. "It brings back reading to so many people who have stopped reading books. I love holding a book in my hand, just turning the pages, not one of those digital Kindle things. It's a place I send all my friends to."

The used book store, located at 135 W. Fifth St., celebrated its first anniversary with extended hours over two days, doing what it does best: putting good books into the hands of readers for very little money. Hardbacks cost a dollar, softbacks 50 cents, and children's books 25 cents. And anyone who bought 20 books Friday and Saturday got five more free.

"It helps people who can't really afford to go buy new books," said Diane Glover of Chester. She brought two of her grand-nieces, Callie Wynn, 14, and Eloise Wynn, 12. They left with armfuls of books not only for themselves, but children's books for their little sisters, aged 1 and 3.

Glover loaded up on her favorites: mystery, suspense and true crime books from authors like James Patterson and Catherine Coulter. "Everybody is so helpful here, finding out if there is something particular you are looking for," she said.

Caren Miller, who a year ago was asked to organize the store and gather a group of volunteers to staff it, said a low-cost bookstore would not work without the increasing influx of quality donated books. Many of those who buy books turn around and donate them back to the store after reading them, she said.

Tammy Blackburn, local manager of The Way Station, said the Book Nook has sold 14,000 books and other items this past year, making over $7,000 and helping the nonprofit agency maintain its building, which also houses its thrift store, and provide needed services to individuals and families in need.

"We have a monthly food distribution that prior to COVID, costs were approximately $200 a month, those costs are now over $1,000 a month just at our EL location," Blackburn said. Other programs include free diapers, programs to help girls build self-esteem, job skills training, and help for families in poverty to plan and make steps toward a better life. The nonprofit, which has sites also in Columbiana and East Palestine, helps veterans transition back to civilian life and prisoners return productively to society.

Blackburn said she is very grateful to the "awesome group of volunteers" who have made the Second Chance Book Nook a success.