Chambersburg, PA – Twice Read Books in Downtown Chambersburg is in its’ last month of existence. At the end of July, the store will close and the remaining 30,000+ books will be sold at auction on August 3, 2013.
Twice Read Books has been a vital member of the Downtown Chambersburg community for the last 20 years. Owner Bill Earley opened Twice Read in 1993. Its’ original location was on South Second Street; but as the store grew and Earley bought more books, he realized he would need a larger location. In 1996, Earley moved to 42 South Main Street and with the help of his new business partner Paul Scalia expanded the inventory to include comics, postcards and other ephemera.
Twice Read became more than just a bookstore; for many members of the community it was a service and a resource. “Over the years, there were many great customers and conversations, but when a customer came in and told us they wished they had a store like ours – if felt like we were doing something worthwhile” says Earley.
When asked about the closing, a bittersweet look appears on Earley’s face “I’ll miss that interaction between the customer and the book. That dance, when they found something on the shelves they have been searching for – for years. That feeling just can’t be put into words.”
As July wraps up the preparations for the auction begin. The books will be carefully placed in boxlots or sold in categories shelf by shelf. Art, military, Civil War, local history, travel, literature and cookbooks are among the many genres represented. There will, also, be magazines, records and a small amount of artwork.
“Losing a business downtown is always difficult” says John Kohler, owner of Gateway Gallery Auction who are conducting the auction. He continues “Through the years, I’ve seen lots of changes in downtown and there are still many wonderful businesses there, offering a lot of unique services.” Early agrees “I feel that even in the internet age, downtown is still a great location for a unique business.”
Preview for this auction will be held July 29 through August 2 from 10AM – 5 PM. The auction will be onsite at Twice Read Books located at 42 South Main Street, Chambersburg on August 3 at 9:30 AM. For more information, contact Gateway Gallery Auction (717) 263-6512 or www.GatewayAuction.com
