McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, Mich., which began adding used books to its inventory about a year ago, is expanding its business with The Archives, a used bookstore at 325 E. Lake St., just down the street from the bookshop's storefront, the News-Review reported.
"Not every person in our community is wealthy," said general manager Zach Matelski. "There are a lot of people who want books but can't necessarily afford them and this gives everybody an opportunity to get gently used books from us."
Nearly everything in the 1,000-square-foot store has been used, including the bookshelves, which were donated by Schuler Books with the help of Tim Smith, the News-Review noted. The Archives will also offer remainders, as well as a few signed first editions. Some hard-to-find or more expensive books may be available, but there are no plans to offer special collections or rare books on a larger scale. Used board games and puzzles could be featured.
Matelski said he has wanted to bring a used bookstore back to Petoskey ever since the Book Stop closed in 2013: "It's a huge miss for our town not to have a used bookstore."
In Monday's e-newsletter, McLean & Eakin noted: "One year ago we started selling gently used books in the lower level of McLean and Eakin. The result was an outpouring of support from the community. We were gobsmacked at how excited everyone was and how well the new section did. In fact, it was almost too popular! We were running out of space! We had to start making plans to answer the call.... It's exciting to be the 'newest' used bookstore in Petoskey. This is a direct result of all the support you have given us and the love you've shown for our bookstore throughout the past 33 years. Our small (but mighty) staff have been working so hard to get ready to invite you to visit."
The Archives is expected to be open before Memorial Day.