There is good news for readers who have already enjoyed the experience of selecting a few used books from Novel Destination: Used Book Emporium along Fluvanna Avenue in Jamestown.
The store is expanding.
Carrie C. Wolfgang, Novel Destination: Used Book Emporium owner, said the store expanded to a second room last week and will soon add a third room. Ms. Wolfgang held a grand opening for her business last fall, which was a lifelong dream come true.
Article Photos
Carrie C. Wolfgang, Novel Destination: Used Book Emporium owner, is pictured inside her business which will be expanding to three rooms. The used book shop is located at 177 Fluvanna Ave., Jamestown.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
''My family and I had always talked of opening a bookstore. We love to read,'' she said. ''I've been reading since I was 4 years old. I'm surrounded by what I love - books.''
Ms. Wolfgang said she opened the book shop, which is located at 177 Fluvanna Ave., Jamestown, behind The Clip Joint, just as Waldenbooks was closing in the Chautauqua Mall. Since then, along with selling used books, she has also helped people order new books.
''A number of people, who aren't computer savvy, have come in and asked if they could order books,'' she said. ''We have a lot of older people that don't want to use the Internet, so I order books for them.''
Ms. Wolfgang said she has developed good working relationships with local libraries to help people receive the books they are looking for. Also, by working with the 2nd Chance Thrift Store, Ms. Wolfgang helps donate books to nonprofit organizations like after-school programs and daycares.
Ms. Wolfgang said, so far, she has found a nice niche with her customers. She said the new technology of e-books has not affected her business.
''People who come to a used bookstore want to hold a book in their hands,'' she said. ''Either way, I'm just glad people are reading.''
Ms. Wolfgang said she is trying to keep the store affordable by selling paperbacks for $3 apiece and hardcover books for $5.
''I try to keep things reasonable so people can find a couple books they want,'' she said.
Talking to her customers is one of the aspects Ms. Wolfgang likes best about the business. Her favorite is mystery novels and books about helping people.
''I like to talk to people about books so I can help them find what they need,'' she said. ''It is nice to put the right book in the right person's hands.''
Ms. Wolfgang said she accepts book trades with people.
Novel Destination is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 489-1496 or visit Novel Destination's Facebook page.