Local used book exchange helps spark kids interest in reading

Ginny Dorward, a self proclaimed tomboy in her youth and now owner of book exchange in Smyrna, didn’t have much interest in reading when she was a young girl.

“I much preferred playing outside and engaging in any activity other than reading when I was younger, much less envisioning that one day I would be running my own bookstore,’’ said Dorward.  “It’s funny how life can take you in a different direction with one simple act.”

That one simple act occurred when Dorward was living in Philadelphia and took her first job out of college. Boredom from having to commute each day on the train was the impetus that set Dorward on the path of reading.

“The first book I read for pleasure was “The Thorn Birds’’ by Colleen McCullough and I’ve been hooked ever since,” she remarked.

Later in life, Dorward spent extensive time working at a bookstore in Louisiana. But then came Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Dorward and her husband left the bayou, eventually settling in Smyrna by 2007.

Utilizing her extensive bookstore management knowledge, Dorward opened her business in October 2008 in the Paces Center, just north of where Paces Ferry Rd. dead ends into Atlanta Road.

“Your Neighborhood Paperback Book Exchange’’ is this cost-friendly store’s by-line, and it certainly boasts an impressive lineup of alphabetized selections for all ages. The wonderful children’s section offers everything from board books for little hands to chapter books and popular teen fiction.

It hasn’t been easy the past two-plus years during these difficult economic conditions, but she reports that business revenue has continued to climb since opening.

“When the recession really hit hard, I had already signed a three-year lease on the building and it was of those do it or lose it moments,’’ she said. “Looking back now, I’m glad I took the chance because you never know unless you try.’’

The Book Stop donates overstocked books to local charities and has been an active participant with the local PTA Partnership program, too. Each school has it’s own individual program requirements for completion, but every nine weeks children who have successfully completed all the criteria receive a certificate for a free book from the store.

“It’s been very successful,’’ she said. “And it really seems to get kids interested in reading more often than if they weren’t involved in these programs.

“I love working and living in Smyrna and truly believe in giving back to the community. I have many regular customers who are like family to me. It’s pretty common that we talk about what’s been happening and things that are going on in each other’s lives.”

A rare find, The Book Stop is a place where residents can come in and feel right at home. Saving a little extra money doesn’t hurt either.