In a time of slow business, the owner of a small bookstore in Longview received support from the community after turning to social media for help.
LONGVIEW, Texas — Sometimes people just have to ask for help. A small East Texas business did just that, and its customers took a big step forward.
Downtown Longview is home to multiple unique small businesses, one of which is a small bookstore called Books and barrels. Amber Hall has been passing through its doors since they opened in 2020.
“To me this is more than just a bookstore. It’s really like a community center. You come here to get books and feed yourself with what she offers, but then you also develop relationships and feed yourself in other ways,” Hall said.
And that was the goal of owner Laura Nevils.
“I just thought Longview needed a little place for people to come and be transported to a different place and just be themselves,” Nevils said.
But recently, business had been a little slow and Nevils took to social media with a post showing the number of books they needed to sell by the end of the month.
“That number is to keep paying all the bills, just to keep us here,” Nevils said.
At first I wasn’t sure if it would be the right thing to do.
“I was a little hesitant to do the position because I didn’t want to seem needy or desperate,” Nevils said.
But being transparent with the community he loves paid off, literally.
“We’ve surpassed our goal for the month, it’s been fantastic. We made over 200 books in four days. I’m not sure I’ve sold that many books in a month,” Nevils said.
While Longview book lovers may be excited to hear the news, no one is more excited and grateful for the support than Nevils herself.
“We really appreciate it. We’re overwhelmed and very happy; it’s exciting,” Nevils said.