Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Harper.
Hi Caitlin , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since high school, I always wanted to either own a bookstore or be a librarian. I wanted a bookstore more, but it seemed like a more impossible dream.
When I graduated high school I originally planned to be an assistant library and intern at a local library, but this was 2020, and covid eliminated those positions.
I hand make jewelry, bookmarks, and other art, so for a while I opened an online Etsy shop. In 2021, I got a part time job at the newly opened Book Worm bookstore, which was a dream come true! Part time turned to full time, and the owners became my friends. They were originally from Maine, and ended up choosing to move back there after The Book Worm had been open only around 8 months. I was able to purchase The Book Worm and take it over from them January 1st 2022, when I was 21!
I started with nearly 10,000 books in the store, and a small selection of children’s toys. Since then, I’ve more than doubled our selection, with around 19,000 books on the shelves today! I also have a wider range of gifts, from children’s toys to art, greeting cards, bookmarks, jewelry, puzzles, and other handmade gifts I continue to craft.
All our books are used and $1.50-$2 (except for a small section of rare, signed, and vintage books!) so anyone can buy a good book for a great price. All our gift items are brand new, but also very affordable!
We’re still in the same location and same smaller sized shop as when I started, so it’s never lost that cozy, magical feel. I believe books truly bring people together, change the world (I know they changed mine!), and bring so much happiness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced was definitely hurricane Ian the first year I was open. With The Book Worm partially flooded, I lost multiple bookcases, some flooring and a couple hundred books. (Our home completely flooded, with more damage).
But after a few long weeks and lots of work, I was back open, and ready to help our community in one way I could: the comfort and escape of a good book. I had everyone from my regular customers to restoration crews and red cross workers come looking for something to read, it was amazing.
We’ve also weathered hurricanes Milton and Helene in 2024, though luckily with much less significant damage to our home and the store.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m most proud of our unique collection, finding the perfect book for every reader, at a price everyone can afford. I love to recommend books, helping you choose your next story the way an online algorithm or big box store can’t. The Book Worm is a place you can both peacefully browse among the quiet of bookshelves, or talk all day about your favorite novel! Also, I’m “rescuing” used books, from best sellers read only once, to vintage books nearly a hundred years old, and finding new readers to love them again.
Here’s more info from The Book Worm’s website:
We have more than 15,000 used books to choose from! Fiction, mystery, romance, classics, fantasy, sci-fi, historical fiction, thriller, young adult, biographies, history, children’s picture books and chapter books, as well as audiobooks and DVDs.
We rescue books! If you have books you no longer wish to keep, we are happy to take them and help them find a new home.
We offer a 0.50¢ trade in credit per book for books we can resell. You can then use the credit to buy books here. Most of our books are $2.00 or less, so every 3-4 books you trade in, you can get a new book free!
Books MUST be in good shape, from a smoke free home, with no water damage, loose pages, missing dust jackets/covers, stains, strong smells, heavy foxing, or heavy underlining/highlighting on multiple pages.
We can’t guarantee we’ll be able to accept every book, but we’re always happy to check them out and see!
Due to limited space and current demand we can’t accept certain books, even for free. This is how we keep our inventory constantly new and exciting for the lowest price!
You do not have to use your trade credit all at once, or in one day. We cannot pay cash for books. As we’re not a non profit, we also cannot provide a write off receipt.
Trade credit can be used to purchase all regular books, jigsaw puzzles, DVDs, and audiobooks. (It cannot be used on new gift items, or our Hidden Treasures bookshelf, which features special editions and collectible books.)
If you have a very large amount of books (more than 1-2 medium size boxes or 1-5 bags) just let us know ahead of time! Call, email, or message us.
Come often as our inventory is constantly changing! We shelve new books every day.
We also have unique new gifts, bookmarks, jewelry, art, plush animals, children’s toys, and more! Please come visit our family friendly environment. All are welcome!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Books and animals.
Books because they’re truly magical. Human brains are hard wired to experience/interpret/learn everything around us through stories. Books have changed the world in the biggest and smallest ways, from wars and laws throughout history, to the inspiration and dreams of one little kid reading by flashlight in bed. They bring us together and give us company when we’re alone, teach us about everything while also letting us believe in magic.
Animals, because in my free time pet rescue and wildlife rescue has always been a huge part of my life! From dogs and ferrets, to parrots and snakes. They all have so much joy and love to give. And our local Florida wildlife brings so much beauty to our paradise!
Pricing:
- Hardcovers $2.00
- Paperbacks $1.50
- New gift items from 50¢ to $20 (most under $5)
- Rare books $3 – $20
- Once in a while a very rare book will be around $50-100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebookworm.biz/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebookwormofenglewood?igsh=MTNpZW94N3pkZjI1aw==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17DTqAspfm/
Image Credits
Caitlin Harper
