Business & Tech

Business Spotlight: The Old Library Bookshop

Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses.

Business: The Old Library Bookshop
Address: 1419 Center St., Bethlehem
Website
Facebook
Contact: books@oldlib.com / 610-814-3434
Submitted by Mary Margaret Taylor, owner

When and how did your business get started?

This mother / daughter business started because of our passion for books and our over-zealous bidding at auctions. We started in 1996 in the former public library in Hellertown. We outgrew that space and in 2000 moved to our current address here at 1419 Center St. in Bethlehem.
Why did you decide to open your business in Bethlehem? 

We opened our shop in Hellertown because it was a good affordable space for our shop. When we outgrew that shop, we decided to see what was available for purchase in Bethlehem. We chose Bethlehem, not only because of it's close proximity to our homes, but because of the cultural and academic atmosphere here.

What is your business best known for?

We have a wide selection of used and rare books in all categories, but people stop in looking for all different things. Some come just to browse the shelves for something interesting to read; others come to add to their collection of rare books; still others come for our maps, art, and ephemera.

What's something interesting about your business your customers might not know?

We are called "The Old Library Bookshop" because originally our shop was located in the old Hellertown Public Library. But actually the building we are now in once served as a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall, and there is a 6' deep baptismal pool in the basement.
Does your business offer a special deals card or program?
We are in the Entertainment Book.

Business Spotlight is a regular column featuring information provided by local businesses. If you're a local business, 
share your information in this form and email a photo of your business to editor Daryl Nerl at daryl.nerl@patch.com. Businesses can also blog on Bethlehem Patch or share events by posting them to our calendar.


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