When people enter my book-lined office for the first time, they often comment on how many old children’s books I have, and it’s true. I have hundreds and hundreds of old children’s books, the oldest of which dates back to 1830. I am occasionally asked, “Where did you find all of these books?” I answer by explaining that most of them came from used bookstores. I have been haunting used bookstores since I was in my 20s, and that was a long time ago.
I found a number of the books in my collection at Book Buyers, one of Charlotte’s best-known used bookstores. For years, Book Buyers was a fixture in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. I often took the drive to Plaza Midwood, where I roamed the shelves at Book Buyers and said hello to Deena, the store cat. Lee Rathers and her father, Richard Rathers, did not want to leave their original location in the Midwood Corners shopping center, but when their rent doubled, they were forced to find a new location. In December 2021, they held a moving sale and began the laborious process of relocating their store to the Eastway Crossing shopping center.
Last week I received an email from Lee Rathers informing me of “Book Buyers Grand Reopening.” She mentioned that they had a “soft opening” earlier in the spring, but she said that they were now ready to celebrate their big move with a big event. I quickly responded to her email and asked her for more information about their move and their grand reopening. Here is what she sent to me:
Book Buyers has relocated from its original location in Plaza Midwood to Eastway Crossing, a shopping center on the corner of Eastway Drive and Central Avenue. The move came about because we were priced out of our Plaza Midwood location along with numerous other businesses. Book Buyers originally opened in 1999 and is one of Charlotte’s longest-running independent used bookstores. Our new location is an exciting new phase for our business in a quickly growing area of Charlotte’s East Side.
Our new Eastway Crossing space is 4,200 sq-ft and holds our complete inventory of approximately 30,000 titles. Customers will recognize the layout of the space and the same, original pine bookcases built by owner Richard Rathers. Our resident bookstore cat, Deena, has recently moved back in and is making herself at home and greeting customers.
Book Buyers is grateful to be among many other independently owned businesses in Eastway Crossing, many of whom are Plaza Midwood transplants. Bart’s Mart, immediately next door to us, is a beer and wine seller with a great selection and fun atmosphere. On the other side of our space, Gear Goat Xchg sells new and used outdoor equipment and brings a great energy to the area. Armada Skate Shop, Tommy’s Pub, VisArt Video, Eastside Local Eatery, The Dog Salon, Open Door Studios, and other neighbors make Eastway Crossing a great destination and hub for local businesses.
Here’s some information about our Grand Reopening:
When: June 6th to June 12th (all week)
What: Grand Reopening featuring:
- 25% off all used books
- Children’s storytime
- Writing workshop led by Charlotte Center for Literary Arts (Charlotte Lit)
- 2 nights of poetry and fiction reading by local writers followed by an open mic
- Sunday Brunch
Where: 3040 Eastway Drive, Suite B
Who: All customers, new and old, are welcome
Why: We want to celebrate our new location and the start of our next 20 years in business as East Charlotte’s used bookstore. We’re grateful for our loyal customers and are excited to offer events and activities to bring our community together. This reopening marks the beginning of future readings and other Book Buyers offerings to the public.
I wish Lee and Richard (and Deena) all the best as they celebrate the grand reopening of Book Buyers. I look forward to visiting their new location in my never-ending quest to acquire new additions to my collection of old children’s books. Needless to say, I am pleased that Book Buyers is still in business right here in Storied Charlotte.