Used Book Store

 

Jeff Semple

Published in the "Carleton Place Canadian," the "Smith Falls Record News," and the "Perth Courier"

September 2005

 

You open the front door and walk inside. A young man is sitting at the front counter; he smiles genuinely at you and says hello. Your eyes focus beyond the young man, and you're overwhelmed by your surroundings. Thousands of books on dozens of shelves scale the walls in front of you. Each book is organized into one of 62 categories; and each book is on sale for two bucks or less.       

 

"Welcome to the Used Book Outlet," the young man says. The young man's name is Kory. He has worked at the Used Book Outlet in Carleton Place since last spring. Kory has an intellectual disability, and is supported through Community Living Association Lanark County.       

 

"It's a really good job," Kory says. "I love it. It's really fun."       

 

The Used Book Outlet first opened in Carleton Place in 1995, and celebrated its 10th Anniversary this past summer. It was initially started by Community Living Association to create job opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. But today, the Used Book Outlet has become much more than a job opportunity.       

 

"We're being known in the community," says Linda Marner, a Community Support Worker for Community Living Association.

"People come in, and they get to meet us, and they get to know the people we support. It fosters a good relationship."       

 

Marner's caseload as a Community Support Worker involves overseeing the Used Book Outlet. But for the most part, the store is run independently by its employees.       

 

"It's important that the (Used) Book Outlet is seen as its own," says Alice-Anne Paterson-Collinge, Manager of Community Support Services in Carleton Place. "We have Community Living Association; we have Community Support Services; and the (Used) Book Outlet. We want to see it as a separate entity."       

 

The Used Book Outlet has indeed grown into its own business. All books are donated, and then resold for a fraction of the original price. All the profits then go directly to the store's employees, as well as to help purchase any other necessary supplies.

 

Nora has been working at the Used Book Outlet since it first opened. She is one of seven full and part-time employees who help share in the responsibilities.

 

"I do everything you could shake a stick at!" she says.

"My favourite part is serving the customers, making them happy."       

Nora works full-time at the Used Book Outlet, along with Kory and Janet. Bill, Mike, and Herb work part-time, and Candice serves as an on-call worker.       

 

"It's a very interesting job," Nora says.

"You never know who's going to walk through the door!"      

 

Customers from all over the globe have come into the Used Book Outlet to check out its large assortment of inexpensive literature. The categories range from Romance to Suspense, and from Sociology to the Royal Family. Harry Potter for $2.00; Oprah's Book Club for $3.00; Harlequin Romance for 10 cents. A bookworm's paradise.       

 

"Come and see us," says Marner. "Come and visit us." 

The Used Book Outlet is located at 178 Townline Road East in Carleton Place.

 

Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00am - 6:00pm.