Bookstore steps up into new location

David Pollard, The Sanford Herald, N.C.
·2 min read

Sep. 21—Instead of walking in from the street booklovers old and new will have to use steps or take the elevator to shop at Books at a Steal.

On Tuesday a ribbon-cutting took place by the Sanford Area Growth Alliance Chamber of Commerce celebrating the store's new location. The used bookstore, once located at 106 S. Steele St., in downtown Sanford, has moved next door to 102 S. Steele St inside The Shops of Steele St. The bookstore is now located inside the shop's mezzanine level.

Those wanting to purchase an inexpensive books cover every genere, CDs or audio books will have to access the store around the corner on Carthage Street.

The move to the new location was the result of the old location being purchased and Kristy Arey, executive director of Partnership for Children and Families. The organization has managed the bookstore under their organization since 2010.

"The timing was perfect," she said. "They were ready to move out (of the mezzanine) and we were ready to move in."

Carolyn Spivey, who helped found the bookstore and run it for several years, is happy with the new location. She said the ongoing mission of the bookstore has been to take the expense out of reading good books, especially for children.

"We wanted to put these books in their hands," she said. "Make it affordable for them to build their own library."

But while the former location was a bit compact, the new location has room enough for couches and high back chairs for patrons to read comfortably and socialize.

"It's amazing to see this new location," said Susan Gomez, director of Sanford Area Growth Alliance Chamber of Commerce. "It's a testament of their hard work."

Gloria Coleman is one of several volunteers who have helped to keep the bookstore running.

"I just wanted to do something worthwhile," she said about her volunteerism. "It makes me so happy to have kids come here."

Linda Smith, vice president of the Partnership for Children and Families, said what has taken place has been a long time coming.

"I think there has been a lot of transformation that has taken place and this is the greatest of all of it" she said. "It is so inviting. It's just perfect."

Sanford Mayor Rebecca Wyhof-Salmon said the bookstore is a valuable organization.

"They have helped so many folks," she said. "This location is beautiful. It is a great community asset."