The city of Goose Creek, S.C., showcased Turning Page Bookshop owner VaLinda Miller's ability to make local connections, noting that Miller "recounts the story of a local customer, a young disabled man, who visited the store with his mother. VaLinda's store manager, Arrylee Satterfield, took the time to help him learn how to make change from his purchase. While this brought on tears of gratitude from the mother, it spurred instant loyalty from the young man. Now, he visits at least twice a month to shop and gab with the manager.
"Others in the community have visited for book clubs and book signings. Miller has invited the Chief of Police, officers in the sheriff's department and city council members to read to children. She hopes a teen night for local teenagers to hang out, turn off their phones and connect with each other will take off. During the pandemic, she's noticed that more people come by just to browse, have a cup of coffee and chat. Other local business owners are stepping up, too. Miller mentions the owners of nearby restaurants who come in and purchase books, and she reciprocates at their businesses. 'We support each other,' she said."