Downtown Urbana bookstore closing its doors after 26 years

The Ole’ Book Nook was one of the few independent book stores in the area.

URBANA — While the Ole’ Book Nook was still located in downtown Urbana, Janet Ebert’s children were such frequent customers, she had the business’ number on speed dial.

Now, after 26 years in business, she’ll have to find a new number to replace it. The store, which was one of the few remaining independent book stores in the area, is closing around the end of the month. Ebert, a former teacher who bought books as gifts and for personal reading, said it’ll be impossible to replace the level of service and community that the Ole’ Book Nook provided.

“They have done so many favors for me over the years I couldn’t enumerate them,” Ebert said.

Vicki Brown was working as a teacher when she said she got the urge to own her own business. Her father owned a pharmacy in Mechanicsburg, and her husband was a business major. But Brown, who also works for her family’s certified public accountant service, said running the book store as well became too difficult, and she wanted to spend more time with her family.

“It’s been a major part of my life and my whole family and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Brown said.

Throughout the years, Brown has tried to develop a close relationship with her customers, often hosting events such as customer appreciation luncheons, book fairs and craft nights.

Customers like Cindy Landess said those events, and the relationship with Brown and her employees, was what made the experience special. Landess said she’s never bought a book online, and isn’t sure where she’ll go to buy books now.

Ebert, a customer since the store first opened, said the city will be missing something important when it closes.

“People don’t understand how much it means until it’s gone,” Ebert said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0355.

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