The Book Nook Also Rises American Tobacco Partners with Durham Library.  Creates New Way to Get Great Books.

Smart people love books.  Many smart people live, work and play at American Tobacco Historic District (ATHD).   And so, the ATHD team is partnering with Durham County Library to create a one-of-a-kind place to donate and buy books right on campus. 

“It’s the first such public-private partnership in Durham — a Library book sale put together outside of one of our libraries,” said Jane Goodridge, the volunteer who coordinates the Library’s now-five book nooks (the other four are located inside library locations). “People at American Tobacco Historic District always think big, and now they’ve set up a wonderful book corner.”

Inspiration hit when ATHD team members took note of consumer demand.

“We saw the huge lines at Durham County Library’s regular book sale,” says Michael Goodmon, vice president of real estate for Capitol Broadcasting Company. “Seeing the demand, we thought, why not offer donation books at American Tobacco Historic District?” 

Located in a public lobby near the new Cuban Revolution restaurant, the book nook features built in shelves and places to read.  Durham metal artist Al Frega created a whimsical ‘donation’ box for books and for money.

Books are sold on the honor system and priced between $1 and $5.  Proceeds go to the Friends of the Durham Library, who in turn fund library programs, equipment and new books. 

Thanks to ATC’s Valerie Ward for this capcom story.