To Be Read, a new and used bookstore in Greenville, S.C., will host a grand opening celebration for its physical storefront this weekend, August 14-15, at 1256 Pendleton Street, "tucked inside Saltbox in the Village, one of Greenville's most popular commercial areas known for its art businesses," the Post and Courier reported.
"More people need to read," said owner Jen Ostafinski. "We need more bookstores." She moved to Greenville from Chicago several years ago, knowing no one and with few connections, because the city was centrally located and business friendly.
Her goal from the beginning was to open a bookstore, but it took some work to get there. She started with a mobile book truck that she set up at popular locations like Gather GVL and Swamp Rabbit Cafe, the Post and Courier noted. The bricks-and-mortar in West Greenville is an extension of the book truck, which she will continue to operate for the time being.
To Be Read offers books and reading-related items. Ostafinski said she wants to curate the selection based on customers' interests, so she encouraged people to request books they'd like to see. The store will also offer a trade-in program.
"Everybody's looking for community, and I feel like bookstores, coffee shops, those third spaces that we lost during Covid, people are kind of wanting that again," she added.