Supported by the Lilly Endowment, the LITTLE SHOPPE OF BOOKS started as a student-operated school bookshop project in 1990. What an honor it was to have James Alexander Thom and his wife, Dark Rain, host our grand opening.  Fortunately for the students and staff at Owen Valley Middle School, we are still providing our school community with quality, discounted books.

   The goal of our bookshop is to promote more reading for our young adolescents by offering books at the lowest prices possible.  Students learn various business and leadership skills as they manage the bookshop. We have expanded our business to now provide necessary school supplies for all students. 

   Our bookshop is open daily before school and during homeroom and lunch period. Books, sold for at least 30 percent below the list price, are available for all ages and are ordered through recommendations from student workers. Many teachers and our media center staff also order books through our bookstore. 

   The power behind student-led efforts has had a profound impact. Our 40 young adolescents have the opportunity to develop their business prowess as they learn the value of their influence on their peers. Eighth grade managers can earn the Van Hook award, given for outstanding service to the bookshop.

   Every year our school hosts a popular adolescent author. Bookshop workers take on an active role preparing and writing book ads for this annual author visit.  Our bookshop campaigns early to offer books by the guest author, affording all students the opportunity to read various titles. An added plus is having the author autograph the books. Teachers also purchase copies of the author’s books to add to their classroom libraries or to give to students unable to purchase books.

     Our bookshop is now a flourishing business and a tremendous benefit to our school community. We are so lucky to have students and staff committed to literacy. Our students have learned that they have the power not only to promote books but also to promote a love of reading.