Used Book Shop Opens Up in Aroostook Centre Mall

A new used book store has set up shop in the Aroostook Centre Mall.

The United Way of Aroostook recently announced the opening of the "Book Nook." The book shop offers a wide variety of used books available to the public.

People are encouraged to visit the "Book Nook", browse the shelves to find a book of interest, then leave a donation in a metal safe located in the middle of the area. Books are available by donation only.

Athena Hallowell, Program and Volunteer Coordinator for United Way of Aroostook, says the nook has two purposes. “We see it as an opportunity for us to encourage the love of reading and literacy for readers of all ages, as well as a chance to help raise funds for our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Early Literacy Program.” This early literacy program is currently sending new books to over 2,240 preschoolers in Aroostook County each month.

The seed for the "Book Nook" was planted after Cindy and Chris Johnson, founders of Cubby Thrift Stores generously donated thousands of books. That generous donation along with space provided by the Aroostook Centre Mall helped make this new project possible for United Way.

Sherry Locke, Executive Director of United Way, is very happy with the outcome. “We’re so excited to be able to help put books in the hands of children and adults.  The feedback from the community has been so positive already! "

Those who might want to donate books to help continue the Book Nook can do so by dropping off used books which are in very good condition at the United Way office located in the food court area of the mall. For more information, call 764-5197.