A new book store recently opened in downtown Ironton, is hitting the one month mark this past week.
Consigned Books offers books of just about every genre, vinyl albums, sheet music, audio books, CDs and DVDs.
Owner Cindy Black said opening up a bookstore was a longtime dream of hers.
“The idea came from a conversation I was having with my daughter about five years ago, and the idea wouldn’t leave me,” Black said. “I played around with the idea for a really long time, and finally I decided it’s something I really wanted to do.”
Black said that she really likes books, and along with her own collection, consigns people who bring their books and other items to the store for her to sell.
“I make 60 percent and the consigners make 40 percent,” she said. “I pay dividends quarterly.”
Black said she uses the Gold Mine Grading Standard and price guide, and researches on her own to set the prices for all of the items.
Originally from Ashland, Kentucky, Black said she’s happy to have her business in Lawrence County because of her family roots.
“My grandfather, Foraker Lewis, was born in Lawrence County, and my great-grandfather, Colby Lewis, was born here and was in the fifth West Virginia Infantry. My great-great-grandfather, Jacob Lewis, was one of the charter families of Lawrence County,” she said. “I’ve got roots here.”
Black said her favorite part of owning the book store is making money for others through her cosigners.
“A lot of my cosigners are senior citizens, and I know they appreciate it and need it,” she said. “So writing those dividend checks gives me great pleasure because I love helping others and people need the money.”
Currently, Black is only cosigning vinyl albums and sheet music, but she posts on the store’s website when cosign items change.
Free coffee is also offered at the store, and Black said she has plans of opening up a coffee shop next door.
Consigned Books also offers book signings from 2-5 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month and children’s story time for 4-7 year olds at 3 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month.
Consigned Books is located at 221 S. Third St. in Ironton, and is open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.