Business Spotlight -- 3rd Space Bookstore

by Leanna Lehman -- What does any self-respecting book lover do when the only bookstore in town is closing? If you are Becky and Zach Taylor, you buy it. On a whim last December, the Taylor’s decided to take action when they heard that Albert Vallaster and Brittney Frew were to closing 3rd Space Bookstore. A life-long lover of books and former member of the Churchill County Library Board, Becky Taylor couldn't bear to see the doors close on such an opportunity. Working in bookstores as a young adult until she had children, Taylor had long hoped to own a bookstore of her own. Like many dreams laid to bed until another time, they can burst to life when least expected. Which is exactly what happened. The Taylors are now the proud owners of 3rd Space, the area's only bookstore. Located at 957 W. Williams Avenue near the DMV, an impressive collection of books line the shelves. The children’s book room is full crammed with items to suit any age; chapter books, educational and storybooks, along with a host of beloved classics. According to Taylor, Fallon has a very sophisticated reading community. “I thought I’d open up and sell mostly murder mystery and romance,” confessed Taylor. While romance novels hold the place as the world’s highest grossing book genre, Taylor’s customers prefer the world of classic literature. And it’s not just students working on English assignments that are checking out Austen and Ernest Hemingway.  Not too surprising, westerns and science fiction are also among the best sellers. Customers may walk in and find Taylor reading on the job. Of course, that is great news for patrons looking for their next great book. Versed in poetry, a variety of fiction, biographies, children’s books, and a host of non-fiction subjects of interest, Taylor can offer several options to choose from. “My favorite part of doing this is helping the reluctant reader,” explained Taylor, "I read a lot of children's books so I can share stories and find something for every kid.” The beauty of used books stores is not only the unique variety but also being able to walk out the door with a bag of books for a few dollars. Paperback novels are usually priced between $2.00-4.00 with a few exceptions for books that are out of print editions and more rare offerings. children’s books are generally under $1.50 with chapter books and young-adult reads a bit more. On Saturdays, you can buy two kid's books and get one free. As for the business end of a job that doesn’t feel like a job, Taylor states, “The average day has continued to grow and sales are consistent.” No small feat for a small town bookstore in the age of Kindle and Audible. One reason for 3rd Space’s forward motion, according to Taylor is there is always something new on the shelf.  “I literally put out new books every day.” As packed to the walls it is, she still has tons of books in storage waiting for their own Space. Are you in need of a book club? If so, 3rd Space has that too. Every fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30, members meet to discuss that month’s selection which is always half price. In fact, if you really want to be surpassed, try a Blind Date with a Book. A paper-wrapped book with a few-word description and you just might find yourself pleasantly surprised while reading something completely out of your wheelhouse. And, it’s more likely to be one of the best blind dates you’ve had. Coffee, tea, comfy chairs, and wi-fi make 3rd Space an enjoyable place to discover travel, cooking, gardening, history, and let your imagination run wild.   Sign up to receive updates and the Friday File email notices. Support local, independent news – contribute to The Fallon Post, your non-profit (501c3) online news source for all things Fallon.