Second Chapter Books, formerly known as Second Chapter Used Books, has turned the page to an exciting new chapter—pun intended! The Carthage bookstore has undergone several changes and updates while still upholding its original mission: bringing affordable, quality reading to the community.
One of the biggest and most obvious of the updates is the store’s recent move. Now located just two doors down from its original spot at the Carthage traffic circle, Second Chapter has more than doubled in size.
“Along with the move, we’ve expanded significantly, growing from 750 square feet to nearly 2,000 square feet, adding 30 new bookcases, and organizing our inventory to make it easier than ever to find your next great read,” announced Karen Lewis, who owns and runs Second Chapter Books alongside her husband, Brad.
With the new storefront comes a new name and new additions: Second Chapter Books now offers both used and brand-new books, dropping the “used” from its title.
Thanks to direct purchases from publishers and shelf pulls from major retailers, the store provides brand-new books at up to 60% off MSRP. Meanwhile, their beloved used book pricing remains the same: $5 for hardcovers, $3 for paperbacks, and $2 for children’s books.
In conjunction with the additional space and expanded inventory, the store’s layout has been revamped for a better shopping experience, Karen told Sandhills Sentinel.
Fiction books are now alphabetized by the author’s last name, nonfiction has a dedicated section, and history, military, religion, biography, and autobiography now have their own separate room.
A whole room has also been dedicated to children’s and juvenile books, so young readers have their own space and experience.
The updates aren’t just physical, though; Second Chapter Books is expanding its reach within the community.
The shop has upped its hours, now open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended evening hours for the recent introduction of book clubs.
The Fantasy Romance Book Club meets biweekly on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m., and a monthly book club meets on Sundays at 4 p.m., with the store opening from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays to accommodate.
Finally, Second Chapter has launched a website, 2ndchapterbooks.com, which will allow customers to shop online and have books delivered directly to their door—a novel idea.
“This will allow people to shop online, and for those who may be unable to drive or go out, they can order directly from a local family-owned business,” explained Karen. “We will offer shipping and also provide delivery within a certain radius of the store.”
For added convenience and accessibility, customers can also custom order books that may not be in stock.
Why not treat yourself to a little shelf-indulgence? As Second Chapter Books turns a new page, Sandhills readers are encouraged to stop by and check out the store for themselves at 101 Monroe St. in Carthage.
Feature photo: Second Chapter Books turns a new page in Carthage. Photo contributed.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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