Spokane used Book business turns the page to include brick-and-mortar
Bibliophiles rejoiced when books began reappearing in the windows of the former Cal’s Books on North Hamilton Street.
Last month, a new sign went up announcing the arrival of Page 42 Books.
“We’ve had an online business for several years. The retail side is pretty new,” said Stephen Girdner, who owns the business with his wife, Christina, and partner Ryan King.
“We rent the space from Cal Emerson (former owner of Cal’s Books),” Girdner said. “He was happy to see books come back.”
The shop primarily stocks used books with a smattering of new releases, as well as used movies and video games.
The online portion of the business involves the selling of books on a consignment basis for local nonprofits.
“We sort through book donations and find stuff that has higher value. We sell it on sites like Amazon and take a commission,” Girdner said. “It can be labor-intensive if you don’t have the tools and resources.”
Girdner said helping nonprofits get more money for books that probably wouldn’t sell for what they’re worth in thrift shops is a win-win.
“We’re a service business that has a bookstore,” he said. “Books are an undervalued resource.”
The back third of the shop is dedicated to the online side of the business, while the rest of the store features thousands of well-organized books and a cozy children’s area.
Of course, the name of the business is a literary wink.
In “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, 42 is the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything”, as calculated by a supercomputer named Deep Thought.
Girdner laughed.
“I’m not a sci-fi fan, but it’s short, catchy and unique.”
With five kids ages 8 to 13, it’s no surprise the Girdners stock a large selection of parenting books.
“That’s the stage of life we’re in,” Girdner said. “We want our retail store to be a reflection of who we are.”
Christina Girdner hosts a toddler storytime at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and enjoys working in the store.
“Bring the babies in!” she said. “If there’s a mom in here that has a tantrum-throwing 3-year-old or who hasn’t slept in days, I can show her where the books she needs are.”
Stephen Girdner said while they have an extensive selection of family and children’s books, they have additional areas of interest.
“We like old books, nonfiction and personal growth,” he said, adding they’re one of the few bookstores that offers cash for used books.
The Girdners say their 25 cent book sales tend to draw a crowd, and more events are in the works. With five employees and a grand opening planned for Jan. 9-11, they are embracing this busy season.
“We’re not trying to be just another bookstore,” Stephen Girdner said. “We want to turn books into community.”