The Book Man

The Book Man is a secondhand bookstore in Chilliwack, British Columbia measuring over 5000 square feet, and is noted as the second largest used bookstore in the province. The store, named after the owner's nickname, is located at 45939 Wellington Avenue in Chilliwack. It originated in 1963 and was acquired by David Short under the name Erna's Book Nook in 1990. After he changed the name to The Book Nook, Short expanded inventory and shelving until yet another move was required. As of 2008, The Book Man employed a staff of ten, who share over 50 years of combined experience in bookselling experience. In 2003, it received the Employer of the Year Award in the community of Chilliwack for its outstanding work environment and respect for staff members. The same year, the store was also awarded Established Business of the Year. Both awards were presented by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce. A program by Canadian Broadcasting Corporation referred to The Book Man as "the mirror image to City Lights".

Community Involvement

The store donates world globes to schools within the Chilliwack School district. Customers who do not take a plastic bag are awarded a plastic token worth the equivalent of the price of a plastic bag. This is then donated to a cause of the customer's choice. The Book Man is also involved in donating mass quantities of books to The Rotary Club of Chilliwack. Bursaries are offered at three local high schools for applicants writing essays on how literature has changed their lives. The Book Man is involved with Early Years, a local community literacy initiative, and donates money and time to their cause. The store also provides all of the books used in "book bins" throughout the community. Children's books are left in bins on public transit, hospital waiting rooms, laundromats and other public places throughout the community. The Book Man's co-owner, Amber Short is a member of the local Business Improvement Association and The Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the bookstore. The Book Man puts together community activities, such as story time within the store, storytelling circles, and MusicAL events.

Awards

• Community Champ award - awarded for involvement in local literacy initiatives.
• Favourite Used Bookstore in Chilliwack - awarded in the Reader's Choice Awards by local newspaper The Chilliwack Times
• Employer of the Year - awarded by the Chilliwack Chamber of Commerce in 2003 for outstanding employment standards.
• Established Business of the Year - awarded by the local Chamber of Commerce in 2003.
• Community Environmental Hero award - Awarded by Livesmart BC, an environmental initiative

External links

• Official website
• Local articles written AbOUT The Book Man
• Picture Tour of The Book Man

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