The Happy Book Stack
If you love books, bargains, and browsing… you should visit The Happy Book Stack in Murfreesboro.
Located at 1411 Mark Allen Lane, off Middle Tennessee Boulevard and right behind the DMV, The Happy Book Stack has board games, puzzles, pokemon card packs (hand selected and packaged), and vinyl records (with available phono for testing, thank you).
Books… lots of pre-owned books
at great thrift store prices!
Recently, I sat down with owner David Jacobs to discuss his background, this business venture, and plans for the future.
On the morning before we met, David was up early, getting the word out about The Happy Book Stack as a guest on ‘Locally Owned, Murfreesboro’, a weekly podcast dedicated to local independent business hosting. Be sure and check out that local resource… after you finish this post of course.
If you’re the visual type, check out ‘Introducing The Happy Book Stack’ with Brian Franks, sponsored by Ann Hoke and Associates. Brian gives a great video walkthrough of the store and a description of each section’s layout.
With an upbeat approach and quick smile, David’s rear-view description of life experience is a testament to a ‘glass half full’ mentality. Growing up, he sought out mentors that would help shape both a personal and professional philosophy. These he seems to have found in abundance.
David’s previous experience in small business, Taekwondo instruction, hard work, and faith built this space. And it’s growing… the home education aisle that started as 2 shelves now runs the length of the building. With well organized shelves, some by publisher and some by curriculum, this section has found a following with local homeschool communities.
Apologia, Abeka, and Saxon are some of the series in the home education section. You’ll also find main areas of study, including math and science workbooks, all at affordable price points.
Buying books and reading books are two separate hobbies…
With around 25,000 books and adding 1500 new books weekly, David and staff watch for current literature. Keeping an eye on the number of titles in the store and how quickly they are moving, they strive for variety. The goal is to have titles that engage everyone in the family. Along with the rows and rows of books, the 2,000 square foot space has a back table that serves for learning, playing, teaching, meeting, probably singing, and of course reading. Sitting at this table David discusses some plans for the future.
Popular young adult titles, manga, and large paperback novels are high on the priority list.
Keeping this section current and growing is one area for continued expansion. As you enter the store, you’ll also notice a growing collection of musical instruments for sale. David would love to see the store hosting lessons and music classes for the ever growing rank of elective home education families.
As the space next door has become available there are plans to open a pre-owned clothing shop, with a possible crossover to the bookstore. Trading items for store credit that could be used in either store would provide even more value for thrifty shoppers.
A bookstore is a place people
love to visit
David and staff know people go to a bookstore because we enjoy browsing and finding new things in old books. They work daily to make sure their stock is organized and ready for browsing.
Pro tip: Check out the Surprise Flat Price shelf. The current theme is ‘test your luck, don’t judge a book by its cover’. For the adventurous, just pick a nicely wrapped book, title unseen, and for a flat price you’ll get a surprise! Typically popular fiction and the value of the book always exceeds the price!
With access to several online booksellers, staff are happy to check for special requests and harder to find titles. What you won’t find here are the very latest, hot-off-the-press releases. Unless some savvy shopper has read it and made the thrifty decision to take advantage of the trade-in policy (best value – store credit!!).
Replenish, reuse, and conserve
So if you’re interested in visiting a local store with a family atmosphere you should head on over to see David and his staff at The Happy Book Stack. It’s a store that understands how hard it is to buy enough books to keep an avid reader well read.
Whether your interests are antiques, popular fiction, non-fiction, home school series, theology, or bibles, The Happy Bookstack has you covered with selections for everyone in the family. There’s even a train table and sensory board in the back for the young readers to enjoy. Be sure and bring your pre-loved books, the staff will gladly review them while you shop for great trade in values. And don’t forget to check out the rotating stock of vinyl records and CDs.
For all the thrift and value minded book lovers out there, you’ll love watching this store continue to grow!
Stay current with new inventory as well as special events by following The Happy Bookstack on Facebook and Instagram.
questions, comments, or clarifications?
