The Book Rescuers to open massive used bookstore with coffee, craft beer on tap in Largo
/The Book rescuers’ current warehouse location in pinellas park that houses thousands of used books | The Book Rescuers
When couple George and Sarah Brooks started selling used books in front of their home several years ago, they never dreamed it would become a full-fledged business with a mission to salvage hundreds of thousands of books.
After finding success in their front yard, the couple built mobile bookshelves and started popping up at various spots around town. That eventually led to leasing their current 3,600-square-foot warehouse at 10410 66th North in Pinellas Park, which allows the duo to sell books seven days a week.
At the current space, shelves stretch a mile long and thousands of cardboard boxes filled with over 100,000 books, including some over 100 years old, line the aisles.
The Book Rescuers has become popular for selling used books at dirt cheap prices -- paperbacks sell for $2 and hardcovers sell for $3. Vintage books, signed books, and coffee table books sell for more.
Now, The Book Rescuers are about to embark on a new adventure.
George Brooks owns The Book Rescuers with his wife Sarah Brooks | The Book Rescuers
With an ever-growing inventory, the owners have signed a lease for a new 14,236-square-foot warehouse at 8325 Ulmerton Road in Largo, which will nearly quadruple the size of the current bookstore and include a full coffee and tea bar, a performance stage, a dedicated kids’ area, and a 60-seat indoor lounge.
Brokers Jay Billings and Jeff Clapacs with Commercial Realty Partners represented the landlord in the lease.
"Many of our donations come in by semi-truck. We rehome over 4,000 books per week, but we can easily receive 15,000 in a week," George said to St. Pete Rising, explaining that over 800,000 tons of books in the U.S. end up in a landfill every year.
To assist in the buildout of the new space, the Brooks have launched a fundraiser through GoFundMe to raise $60,000.
To date, the team has raised just over $21,000, which will primarily cover moving costs, 100 custom-built shelves, and a new computer software system.
the brooks’ started out their endeavor by selling used Books and old DVDs in front of their home | The book rescuers
Those who donate $100 can attend a private pre-opening party for the new store. And those who contribute $200 could have plaques above their favorite bookshelf section, depending upon availability.
"There currently isn't a space like this in our community," Brooks said. “There will be a stage where authors can do live readings and where musicians can perform.”
There will be a 60-seat lounge area adjacent to a full tea and coffee bar sourcing organic beans from the nearby local family-owned roaster, Home Coffee Brand.
George is also in talks with a St. Pete-based brewery to provide 16 craft beers on tap.
The open floor plan will have some sectioned-off spaces, including a kids' STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) room and hidden nooks where readers can escape into their books.
"The whole place is going to be wallpapered in pages of books that were too damaged to be rescued," George said.
The largo warehouse will become the new home of the book rescuers later this year | commercial realty partners
In addition to the GoFundMe campaign, George and Sarah are also hoping to fill the funding gap by launching a new $60 per year subscription model.
Members will enjoy a long list of perks, such as waived online book pick fees, 5% discounts on all purchases, and 10% in-store credit on future purchases.
Members can also request out-of-stock books and be first in line when they become available.
The Brooks also plan to roll out a new shared ownership model where loyal customers and team members can receive up to 30% equity in the company. More details will be available in the coming months.
The team expects to relocate to the new store by November 1st.
Until then, the Pinellas Park location will remain open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Be sure to follow The Book Rescuers on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.
