Since moving out of the library a year ago and into its own building across the street, the Browser’s Corner bookstore is more lucrative than ever, according to Phyllis Patton, president of the Friends of the Carson City Library Foundation.
“It has been very successful,” she said. “We are very happy.”
She said the used bookstore, which supports the library, is grossing about $6,000 a month.
“The library offers so many programs for people of all ages,” she said. “The bookstore is vital to be able to do that.”
When the library expanded its auditorium last year to create the Digitorium — a casual space where youth can check out laptops, connect to the internet and develop skills in different computer programs — it left the Browser’s Corner with no place to display its books.
So the foundation moved its headquarters across the street to 771 E. Washington St.
“We have five rooms chock full of books,” she said.
It has been a better situation, she said, than when they operated a much smaller space inside the library.
“We had very little room to display books,” Patton said. “We had two storage units packed absolutely floor to ceiling with books. You can’t sell a book that nobody knows you’ve got.”
Proceeds from the bookstore — which relies on community donations of used books — go to support a variety of programs at the library, including the summer reading program, the activities during National Library Week, new books and matching funds for state and federal grants.
Patton has served three years as president of the Friends of Library and as vice president two years before that.
“I believe a library is very important part of any community,” she said. “It’s probably the only place in town that’s absolutely open to everybody.”
With wifi access and gaming centers, along with classes such as a manufacturing certification, Patton said the library is about more than just books.
“It’s one-on-one, people-to-people learning,” she said. “And you know the person talking to you has experience.”
But that’s not to discredit the books.
“I think it’s very important for all kids to learn to read and create a passion for learning,” Patton said.
The bookstore celebrated its anniversary with cupcakes and punch for patrons on Monday. Patton said a committee is working on a larger celebration later in the year to recognize the 50th birthday of the Friends of the Library.
“We just want to put out there all of the things the Friends have done over the years,” she said. “They were instrumental in even getting the library started.”
Teri Vance is a journalist, freelance writer and native Nevadan. Contact her with column ideas at terivance@rocketmail.com