Julia Dennis
The Book Abbey, a used book store on Maumee Street in Adrian, Mich., provides shoppers with a warm, welcoming experience. Specializing in books of almost every genre and great pieces of art from local artists, The Book Abbey is a wonderful place to add to your list of things to do on a rainy day. Melissa Karmol opened this store, which includes all of her favorite things, because, she says, “I’ve always loved music, books, you know, I’ve always loved art.”
The Book Abbey’s owner Melissa Karmol sees owning a store like hers as a labor of love to the Adrian community. Most small businesses, she says, do not make you rich. It is just a great hobby of hers. As far as the artwork goes, “I feel it is very important to support local artists.”
These days used books are a real treasure. They are becoming scarce and e-readers are making print books less popular, in Karmol’s opinion. In a used book store you can find unique books and books that are not available on a Kindle or a Nook. At The Book Abbey you will find hundreds of affordable books in just about every genre.
Keeping in mind those with limited income and students, and wanting everyone to be able to afford to read books, Karmol prices the books in her store starting at twenty-five cents.
Karmol’s store carries music, including CDs and records, used books in many different genres, movies, and work from local artists, as well as audio books and sheet music.
The Book Abbey offers an exchange program which offers credit to its customers that bring in their used items. In return they receive credit towards future purchases and also half off those purchases. She also offers a punch card that earns you a free book when you fill it up with purchases. Be sure to stop by on your birthday and show your ID for a free book of your choice.
The Book Abbey is located at 130 E. Maumee St. in downtown Adrian. Store hours are Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-6p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-4p.m. Call Melissa at 517-265-1939 if you are interested in more information.
