Cover to Cover Books in Riverview has kept readers coming back for 20 years, even as digital reading grows.
It’s built a reputation for personal service, lasting relationships and a deep commitment to the local reading community.
Crystal Wolfe, president of the independent bookstore, first joined the team after walking in one day as a customer.
She was invited to work at the store by its original owners, Tony and Debbie LeBlanc, and eventually took over the business eight years ago.
“I’ve always felt like the caretaker of this book community,” Wolfe said. “It’s part of me.”
The store’s approach to customer service is rooted in conversation.
Wolfe and her team ask questions, learn about readers’ preferences and offer recommendations tailored to individual tastes.
She said one of the most rewarding moments is when someone walks in unsure of what they want and leaves with books they’re excited to read.
“We’re not here to push titles,” she said. “We want people to leave with something they’ll enjoy.”
Cover to Cover’s trade credit program allows customers to exchange gently used books for store credit, making reading more affordable.
Most paperbacks are sold at half the cover price, and credit can be applied to further reduce the cost.
The store’s membership system also tracks purchases, helping customers avoid buying the same book twice.
Another feature is the “My wants” list system that alerts staff when a requested title arrives.
Customers are contacted directly and given time to pick up the book, a service Wolfe said has helped build trust and loyalty.
The store’s inventory is updated daily and available online, a system developed by Tony LeBlanc when the store first opened.
Wolfe said the digital presence has helped attract new readers, especially since COVID-19, and the store’s Facebook page has become a regular stop for many.
Features like “Crystal Picks” and “Blind Date with a Book” have helped turn casual browsers into regulars.
Wolfe said the store serves a wide range of readers, from children to seniors, and that the sense of community is what keeps people coming back.
“Our reading community carried us through COVID,” she said.
“We wouldn’t be here without them.”
Wolfe said the store remains focused on being a bookstore, not as a café or a retail hybrid, and that any changes over the years have been small and thoughtful.
She described the business as steady, with a loyal customer base and a slight increase in new visitors, some of whom may be drawn by a growing interest in supporting local businesses.
As Cover to Cover Books marked its 20th anniversary on July 4, Wolfe said the store’s mission hasn’t changed.
“It’s more than just a bookstore,” she said.
“It’s a place where people connect with stories, with each other, and with something meaningful.”
