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| Open Books Bookstore, Pensacola, FL |
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Regular followers of this blog know that my support and endorsement of independent bookstores is 100%. They are an absolutely and necessary part of our fabric, our culture, and even more so during these turbulent times. But this indie is critically important to so many people that cannot visit in person and many who will never visit here. Most indies have some sort of a local social cause or organization that they support with donations. Open Books, however, is a 100% non-profit used book store that supports all the prisoners in Florida state prisons or jails. As store manager Johnny told me, prisoners are not allowed to receive books in the mail from just anyone. They can only receive books by mail from bookstores or publishers. Enter Open Books, founded in 2000 with the specific intent to provide books for incarcerated individuals. Any prisoner who would like any books can receive them for free simply by mailing a written request to Open Books telling them what title he/she would like. On the day of my visit the mail came with about two dozen letters from prisoners requesting books.
The store is located in a residential area. I thought this would be great for walk-in neighborhood customers but Johnny told me that most customers drive here. This sometimes includes tourists and Spring breakers. They do not have online book sales because they don’t have the staff for it.
Open Books has at least 20+ volunteers. Some work as sales staff in the store and others work as book packers. Again, the store is 100% volunteer. If you live in the Pensacola area consider joining their team. You’ll be supporting a worthy cause and will be surrounded by books. The bookstore acquires their books by donations only. I know I’ve been in other indies with similar non-profit missions but I thought the principles and goals of the Open Books Prison Book Project were excellent. Also watch for their $1 book sales held twice a year. As Johnny told me, they have approximately 50,000 books and they need to clear inventory.
In addition to Johnny, I got to meet volunteers Trey, who has been there 5 years and Brandon who was there for his first day. All three were super to talk to and best of all, they and all the other volunteers are providing an essential service to a population in need. Thank you for leading by example, Open Books. Blessings to them all. Go to an indie and buy a book. Bonsoir.
CURRENTLY READING: Sister Lumberjack, Candace Simar.
RECENTLY PURCHASED: Not purchased but gifted, Into The Beautiful North, Luis Alberto Urrea. Thanks Trey and Johnny.
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| The back of the store is very attractive. |
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| Front entrance. |
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| An award-winning bookstore. |
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| Just inside the store find some of the bargain books available. |
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| Unique art by local artists, mounted on the front wall of the front room. |
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| Check out these numbers for 2024. Well done Open Books. |
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| Below the checkout counter in the front room you'll find vintage editions for sale. |
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| Can't find the right book? Consider a store t-shirt. |
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| This is the back wall in the front room. In addition to the books, you'll see lots of creative artwork by talented local artists. |
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| Attractive display in the front room. |
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| Overview of one of the neat book rooms. |
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| You'll ALWAYS be able to find a bargain at this bookstore. This is just some of the youth fiction available. |
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| This is the back room, used for storage and book packing. |
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| Another view of the back room. |
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| Trey showed me the day's mail which included MANY requests for books. |
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| Just a few of the antiquarian books offered, a great store for collectors. |
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| Twice a year you can stock up on books at $1 bargain prices. |
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| Looking into the side room, on the right of the main front room. |
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| One of the long book aisles in the side room. Start browsing. |
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| If you're in Pensacola and looking for a volunteer opportunity, consider joining the great team at Open Books and contributing to a worthy cause. |
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| L-R: Store manager Johnny, Trey, and Brandon. Three of the fine volunteers I met at Open Books. Thanks for a great visit. |
