The popular Cariboo Book Bin has new owners, a new name, and a few changes.
The mother/daughter team of Joan and Jazmyn Douillard purchased the Book Bin from Angie Nicholson in November and will hold their grand opening this Saturday, Dec. 21.
Their new store is called 1st Editions: Books and More.
“We’re partners, mum and daughter,” says mom Joan.
The original store started out in the 1970s in the basement of 35A First Avenue South between Trattoria and Frames by Bruce.
The store started out as a used book store and remains so today.
“We carry used books, a selection of comics and nerd paraphernalia and will continue to carry Christian merchandise,” Joan says. “The first thing anyone asks when they come in is, ‘Are you keeping the Christian side?’ and we would never let it go but we are bringing in more gifts for everyone as well.”
“We’re also happy that we’ve started bringing in fair trade gifts such as soapstone carvings, purses, and stationery, as well as some work by local artists and artisans,” adds Jazmyn. “We realize it’s an odd mix, but in the last month we’ve received nothing but encouragement from the community and a lot of happy new customers.
“We are the only Christian book store, but we have a very eclectic mix of nerd, comics, geek chic, and much more.”
1st Editions has also opened up an area of the store to provide space for a community book club to meet and where traditional board game evenings will be held for anyone interested.
The women came to buy the book store by sheer chance.
“I walked into the Cariboo Book Bin for the first time this year in November and later that day walked past ReMax and saw it was for sale,” Jazmyn says.
“We were in the office two days later to buy it. We both have a huge passion for books, and being a big nerd I was having trouble finding the type of items I love in town, as were many of my friends.”
Both Jazmyn and Joan have owned businesses in the past. Jazmyn is an illustrator, and Joan is a hair stylist by trade.
But they were both feeling a little cooped up and in need of a change.
“We saw the posting for the Book Bin and something clicked,” Joan says.
“Everyone is welcome and if we don’t have it, we will do our best to help you find it. We believe sincerely in excellent customer service and always want whomever enters the store to leave it with a smile.”
Jazmyn has been in Williams Lake for three years and has been a member of the Studio Theatre for two years as well as doing her best to be involved with the arts community.
1st Editions: Books and More will celebrate its grand opening Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
