Westmoreland YWCA's used bookstore aims to support affordability, literacy

Children’s books, mystery novels, adventure tales and more line the walls of the Westmoreland County YWCA’s basement.

The gently used books are the association’s latest venture to promote literacy and affordability in the community.

For $1 per inch, Greensburg locals can purchase books through the YWCA’s year-round used bookstore.

The bookstore builds upon the annual used book sales that the YWCA previously held. It is primarily run by volunteers, with help from YWCA staff.

Susan Mough, a bookstore volunteer, described the store as a “win-win” situation. Locals can purchase gently used books for an affordable price, and the YWCA uses the profits to support its general operating budget.

“I enjoy offering books to people at a reasonable price,” Mough said. “Someone maybe couldn’t afford to buy it new, and they come in here and it’s like new for way, way less. I know I like that myself.”

The bookstore opened in October. Carol Palcic, the YWCA’s executive director, said the idea for a year-round bookstore was “already fermenting” when she started as director in June 2021.

By August, the YWCA finalized plans for the store, which opened on Oct. 1.

It is the only used bookstore in the Greensburg area. Matt Kolbosky, the YWCA’s facilities director, described it as “a great service.”

“I think (the store is) going to do really well in the long run, especially with us being the new used bookstore in Greensburg,” Kolbosky said.

Since the store opened in October, volunteers have had more time to organize the books, volunteer Garnet Snyder said. They keep busy by sorting donated books and alphabetically organizing them on the shelves.

“If people were here in October and were frustrated because of the disorganization, they need to come back now because it’s much easier to find things,” Snyder said.

The store doesn’t contain only books. It also offers seating areas for readers and a children’s section of the store emulates a children’s library, complete with beanbag chairs, puzzles and games.

Ultimately, the YWCA hopes to promote literacy through the store, which serves as part of the YWCA’s literacy program.

Since opening the store, Palcic said the YWCA has received an “onslaught of calls” from people who want to learn how to read.

“How sad it is, that there’s that many people out in the community that can’t read — adults,” Palcic said.

She added that two YWCA volunteers who helped with the literacy program years ago want to begin tutoring people.

Looking to the immediate future, the YWCA plans to begin monthly promotions in March.

On March 2, which is Dr. Seuss’s birthday and National Read Across America Day, the store will give a free book to anyone who dresses as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.

On March 31, in celebration of National One Cent Day, those who buy one book can get a second for a penny.

The store will offer a free book to veterans on May 31 in honor of Memorial Day, and a free book to cancer patients and survivors on June 7 for National Cancer Survivor’s Day.

“We’re out there for the community and once we get more word out, a lot of people will be coming in here,” Kolbosky said.

The bookstore is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the first Saturday of each month.

Those who wish to donate gently used books can drop them off in a shed at the YWCA’s parking lot at 424 N. Main St.