Now open: New chapter for Bloomington's Caveat Emptor used bookstore begins

Dayna and Jared Thompson had help inviting people into Caveat Emptor Used Books at noon Friday when the downtown Bloomington bookstore reopened. "Jane Austen," "The Manchurian Candidate," and "Richard Nixon" by John A. Farrell welcomed patrons to browse.

The new lights on the white, tiled ceiling ensured people could see each and every title on the shelves throughout the store. A hum of voices rose as people walked in to check out the tomes, novels and short stories.

"There's a lot of new stock. We did a really large buy" ahead of the reopening, explained Dayna Thompson as she stood behind the front counter, greeting people. More than 2,000 books were added to the collection that already included between 40,000 and 50,000 books. The store first opened in Bloomington in 1971 and the Thompsons are the third set of owners.

Buying the store:Bloomington's used book store Caveat Emptor turns the page with new owners

Visitors will appreciate the recently cleaned downtown bookstore, at 112 N. Walnut St., as well as new lights, new chairs and more room to move between the stacks. Dayna is hopeful new customers will find what they're looking for — especially since efforts were made to consolidate locations for similar genres, meaning there's one location for all foreign languages, for example.

"We tried to make it more friendly for people who haven't been coming here for 20 years," Dayna said. "We hope to bring in more casual browsers, as well as the academic readers. We want both kinds here."

Hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 1-8 p.m. Wednesday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Positive outlook for downtown businesses

Talisha Coppock, executive director of Downtown Bloomington Inc., said downtown Bloomington is doing well, with more retail shops opening, including Bonne Fete and Oak, both on the courthouse square. Nearby Ellie Maes recently added a candle bar and an expansion at Mirth was a success, she said.

Other retail shops include Lola and Company, Gather, JL Waters, Goods for Cooks and Argentum Jewelry. Another option for books, magazines, newspapers, puzzles and more is the Book Corner, at 100 N. Walnut St.

"I think we have some of the best retail downtown now than ever," Coppock said.