Store opens with new name, new location

It is worth the drive to West Chester to visit More Than Books, where book lovers of all ages may browse among thousands of titles being offered for sale, as well as puzzles, games, greeting cards, picture frames, records, jewelry, CDs and DVDs. All proceeds from the nonprofit organization are donated to the West Chester Food Cupboard.

The store, formerly known as the Second Reading II Bookstore, also recently relocated from the Parkway Shopping Center to the Gay Street Plaza. The grand opening was held on Feb. 14.

After learning last November that the store needed to vacate its former location due to financial concerns, store manager Ann Marie Fletcher-Moore had to scout for a new site and arrange for all the books to be moved.

"We had 300 boxes (as well as) lighting fixtures. It took two days of moving - three trucks and four men," Fletcher-Moore stated. "And it took us another three weeks to get everything up and placed. It was busy and crazy and tiring but a lot of fun."

Currently, the store houses more than 25,000 gently used books. Brand-new books are also offered for sale and are featured in a separate location in front of the store.

Categories of books for sale include fiction, nonfiction, music, business, religion, politics and American history. The store also includes a children's area.

Fletcher-Moore noted that the all-volunteer staff can help shoppers find the books they are looking for. "We also have request forms that can be filled out so that if that particular book or an item comes in, we can hold the book or items for you," she said, noting that the store also sells books on eBay.

Monthly specials are featured at the store. For March, all books with green covers and Irish books are 50% off; this does not include specially priced books.

In addition to financial donations to the food cupboard, the store donates books to 13 organizations, including a school in Africa; local preschools, elementary schools and high schools; local Little Free Libraries; the Laundromat Library League; the Veterans Association of America; and the West Chester Area Senior Center.

For those who would like to donate books, items are accepted during the store's operating hours - Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Donations are currently limited to two bags or two medium-size boxes per person.

The bookstore, which went from 2,900 square feet at the old location to 3,900 square feet at the new site, was formerly a Red Cross blood donation center. "Our sign is still in the process of being made. It still says 'American Red Cross,' but we are here," Fletcher-Moore said, adding, "It's a lot brighter than the other store; the lighting is great. It has a different feel. I really love the space."

More Than Books is located at 523 E. Gay St., West Chester. For more information, visit the store's new "More Than Books Facebook page. Those with questions may call 484-947-5792 or email morethanbooks2025@gmail.com.