Pages continue to turn at used book store
An interview with Kathy Carwell, owner of Cornerstone Used Books in Villa Park.
Q: Describe your business. What do you do?
A: In 2002 we opened our doors to provide the community (western suburbs) with an opportunity to purchase slightly used books for less than a new book would cost at a retail store. We carry both hardcover and softcover books and books on CD. We recently expanded our inventory to include a quality selection of new releases from the best seller lists. We will gladly search for books our customers cannot locate and will order books to fill their needs. We have a credit system that allows our customers to use the books they have finished reading to further reduce the cost of books they purchase from us, the credit they earn will never expire. We accept donations of all types of books and gladly donate all the books we cannot use in our store. We have sent several thousands to prisons, hospitals, literacy groups as well as customers who are wanting donations for fundraising for their events. In the fall of 2011 we invited cheapkissrecords.com to bring in a selection of albums for our customers who are becoming interested in building their collections of vinyl.
We love reading and enjoy having a community of readers of all ages with whom we can share the love of touching, smelling and reading a paper copy of a book.
We enjoy knowing our customer, and being able to great them by name. The conversations that take place every day about books allow us to share in each others lives in a way that is meaningful to both the customer and us. In addition to the 50,000 books we also offer another 5,000 books through our website that can be picked up the next day for free in the store. We also ship all over the world. All our books are located on site.
Q: What made you start your business?
A: A life long love of reading.
Q: What has been the most difficult obstacle in running or starting a small business?
A: At times second guessing my decisions.
Q: What do you enjoy most about operating your business?
A: The daily contact with so many customers. I learn something new everyday. Not a day goes by that I do not feel blessed to walk in the door.
Q: Is this what you pictured yourself doing when you were young?
A: Yes! I knew I wanted to be around books, but did not know in what capacity.
Q: What keeps you up at night?
A: It does not keep me up at night, but I am always thinking of ways to reorganize a section so we can get more books in the store.
Q: If you could give one tip to a rookie business owner, what would it be?
A: You cannot do everything and do it well. You usually cannot learn everything at once. Get a good accountant if you are not a numbers person. Surround yourself with good people and make sure you love what your doing.
— Kim Mikus
Ÿ We feature a suburban small business every Monday. We want to hear about yours. Contact us at kmikus@dailyherald.com.
Business: Cornerstone Used Books
Address: 22 South Villa Avenue, Villa Park
Owner: Kathy Carwell
Year business started: 2002
Web address: www.cornerstoneusedbooks.com