Community helps rebuild book business after storm
Alocal second-hand bookseller was blown away by the community’s support in getting his business back on its feet after a severe hailstorm damaged his stock in December.
Walter Carpenter, who has a stall selling books opposite the Wesleyan Methodist Church, was devastated after the hailstorm destroyed most of his book stock on Wednesday, December 22.
An appeal was sent out asking people to consider donating old books towards replenishing Carpenter’s stock so he could resume trading as usual in 2022.
Carpenter said he has been blown away by the response from the community throughout the city, and especially the Hayfields community. Book donations poured in, and Carpenter said he now has almost double his original book stock that got damaged. “My garage is full and I can’t take any more books in,” he said, adding that he is so overwhelmed at the community’s support.
Walter’s Books sells a diversity of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, Christian and Children’s books, and Carpenter said the donated stock reflects the same widespread genres.
Carpenter started Walter’s Books three years ago after getting retrenched from his job. He started out selling brica-brac, but as the business grew he had to make a choice of sticking with the books or bric-a-brac. He chose books. “They’re more hardy and not as much risk about breakage when transporting,” he added.
He thanked his wife, Noelene, for encouraging him every step of the way in his venture. “She has spent many a Saturday and when I have a Sunday market selling with me. She has always supported me,” he said.
Walter’s Books operates from the stall opposite Wesley Methodist Church in Hayfields. If you are interested in buying any books or for enquiries, contact Carpenter: 078 553 3344.