CARBONDALE, Ill. - One of the last independent book stores in the area has closed its doors, but they've announced that they'll be open tomorrow for a book giveaway so they can clear out stock.
Bookworm co-owner Carl Rexroad made the announcement this morning that all of the remaining books from the recently closed Bookworm bookstore in Carbondale will be given away free to anyone interested between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, June 30.
“I really look at this as a win for everyone,” says Bookworm co-owner Carl Rexroad. “People can have access to free books, the books themselves get a reprieve from recycling, and, of course, we don’t have to pack them up to dispose of them.”
Representatives from area libraries, schools, churches and prisons were on hand for several days recently to gather donations for their organizations.
“We just wanted to let community organizations have a chance to stock their shelves for either their group or for sales they have to raise funds,” Rexroad says.
There are still some thousands of books left on numerous subjects even after the store’s $1 liquidation sale last week and the donations. While a lot of popular titles and authors are no longer available, Rexroad says that he is surprised at how many quality fiction and non-fiction books are still left.
There is no limit on how many books a person can take on Saturday, Rexroad says, although he asks consumers not to take anymore than they can actually use. The store also asks customers to bring their own boxes and/or bags.
One of the nice things about loading up with free books is that there will be no waiting line to check out, he says, recalling some of the lines during liquidation. “You can just grab them and go. And come back as often as you want – at least while supplies last.”
The Bookworm also is teaming up with St. Francis Care Animal Shelter to help raise money for their rescue efforts. People who get free books on Saturday can show their appreciation by making a donation to the organization. All of the voluntary donations will be given to St. Francis in memory of Casper, the Lazy Bookstore Cat, who lived and was loved for more than 15 years at the Bookworm. Casper died last month, just as the bookstore was closing.
The Bookworm is located in Eastgate Shopping Center in Carbondale, 618 E. Walnut St.