ReadingWithKids.org, a project of The Acadiana Educational Endowment, today opened the Book-Book Bookstore at the ReStore in Carencro, with the help of a grant from the Acadiana Pediatrics Society. ReStore is the retail effort of the Lafayette Habitat for Humanity. Book-Book is the first second-hand bookstore, or Bouquiniste, created by the AEE, and it focuses on books for children, from toddler through high school.
ReStore manager Erricka Thibodeaux explains why Book-Book is a natural fit. “The ReStore is an arm of Habitat for Humanity. Our goal is to sell new or gently used donated or purchased items. All of our proceeds go back to Habitat to build affordable housing in our community.”
Book-Book is also a strong collaborator for Habitat for Humanity. “Our mission is, ‘Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope’ and our vision is, ‘A world where everyone has a decent place to live.’ The Book-Book Bookstore correlates with that mission because it serves our community, particularly young people by giving them a brighter future. Books open doors for different things.
“In line with our focus, books could open a door to being a future homeowner. Books provide many other benefits for all sorts of dreams and goals.”
Book-Book Bookstore is an independent entity within the ReStore. It was designed to offer a cozy space for children: it is decorated as a tent, with beanbag and upright chairs for comfortable reading.
Prices range from 25¢ to a few dollars. Purchases are made at the entrance to Book-Book installation, with cash or through VenMo, PayPal, or Stripe. All proceeds benefit the efforts of ReadingWithKids.org in its efforts to encourage parents to read to their children, and to grow a general culture of reading in Acadiana.
Book-Book Bookstore is open whenever the ReStore is open, typically Tuesday – Saturday, from 10:00am to 6:00pm.