Go Here, Not There is a tool. Use it to get the best deals on goods while supporting local, independently owned businesses. As American consumers, we were born to believe the better deal equates to les dollars, but other factors matter just as much: the quality of the product, the fit between the product and the consumer, and an expert staff trained to understand the importance of both. Go Here, Not There and get your money’s worth while protecting the fabric of our neighborhoods and local businesses.

Reading the last line of a book and satisfyingly snapping it shut—what an irreplaceable feeling! On a rainy day, this success can lead to a trip to your bookshelves in search of something new. But disappointment may be close behind as the search for an unread novel fails to uncover anything not dusty or familiar. Instead of rushing to the Big Box bookstore to purchase something new at an unreasonable price, how about killing two birds with one stone? Pack up all your superfluous books, DVDs and audio books and head on over to The Book Nook - and be prepared to restock those dusty shelves.          

Located in the heart of Boyertown, The Book Nook is an outstanding new addition to the town’s charm. This used bookstore opened in April 2011 at 130 E. Philadelphia Avenue, and was a product of its proprietors’ passions. “I was always a reader and I wanted to incorporate reading into a career,” said co-owner Holly Wood. She and her husband James sought to create a welcoming place where anyone can come and find exactly the book they seek. 

The Book Nook has a vast selection of genres to encompass all interests: fiction or nonfiction, science fiction or religion, romance or mystery, self-help or parenting, horror or history. Everything you can think of, they have, or they will find it for you. And because of the unique structure of their business, new books are constantly forthcoming. Big Box stores like Barnes and Nobles continuously fail to measure up to The Book Nook’s standards of service.

“Trade-in, and earn credit!” is the basic premise for The Book Nook’s used book exchange. As you clean out that cluttered bookshelf, feel free to throw paperbacks, hard covers, audio books, and even DVD’s into the mix—The Book Nook accepts them all. As customers trade these items, they receive credit that pays for up to half of total book purchases. With that credit, and with gracious customer service, bibliophiles are bound to find oodles of new books that won’t break the bank.

A standout aspect of The Book Nook that only the little guy can provide is its devotion to customer service. They offer convenient business hours—open on Sundays and until 7:00 PM during the week— and steadfast, friendly help in finding anything you may desire. If they don’t carry a particular book, they take names and phone numbers in order to inform customers when their desired books turn up in exchanges. Has Barnes and Nobles ever called you at home? Probably not. And rarely if ever have they sold a hard cover for a buck. 

The prices at The Book Nook are refreshing. Essentially, instead of buying one book at the Big Box competitor, you can get at least three for a comparable price. Each month they hold a special sale; for February, all romance novels are an additional 10% off. Part of the fun is that the deals change every month, so there’s always something new to which to look forward. On top of this, they always have loads of $1 deals, including a Last Chance Books section, similar to a Big Box clearance but with much more personality. With this, the Woods’ passion is evident as they describe the books in this section as “well worn and well read, won’t you give them one last chance?” The Book Nook truly cares about their products and their customers’ shopping experience. Prepare yourselves for a bookcase makeover. Shop Here Not There, and get a great deal more than a great deal!

Neighborhood Corkboard is a grass-roots, advocacy organization dedicated to fighting for local mom and pop shops. Join the good fight. Go to www.neighborhood-corkboard.com and select your local Corkboard, or go directly to Eastern Berks Corkboard at www.eb-corkboard.com. LIKE us on Facebook, FOLLOW us on Twitter. To enroll your business, email towntweeter@neighborhood-corkboard.com.