Explore: A Look Inside Michigan’s First Goodwill Bookstore

(Crystal A. Proxmire, March 8, 2023)

Temperance, MI – Goodwill is known for their thrift stores full of gently-used clothes, housewares, toys and more. But they’ve brought a new concept to Michigan with the Goodwill Bookstore in Temperance, a town just north of the Ohio boarder near M-24.

Oakland County Times made the trip, which is about an hour and a half from Pontiac, to check out the new store.  Store Supervisor Zubayda Laviv said people have been coming from Michigan and Ohio to check out the shop, which is located in a former Family Video store, in a quaint community of farmlands and railroad tracks.

“Goodwill is all about repurposing, so this makes sense,” she said.  The shop opened last Friday, and the announcement has been making the rounds on the internet, with people wishing for such a store in their areas.  According to Laviv, Goodwill has a similar store in Florida, and one in Canada.  When asked if more could be coming to Michigan, she replied “Only time will tell.”

Laviv is a book-lover herself, having grown up with a librarian for a grandmother.  She has longer-term dreams of being a teacher.  “I can’t imagine a better job to be at than surrounded by books,” she said.

Unlike the small sections of books in typical Goodwill stores, the bookstore is organized by categories.  And featured books are on the tops of bookshelves, including several on censorship, art, history, kids’ books and more.  Books are priced to go, with many as low as $1 or $2.

In addition to books, there’s an area for The Blue Boutique, which is a program for artists with disabilities who make arts and crafts for sale in the store. The artists keep the money from the sales, Laviv said.  “It’s a great program for the artists, and something special we can do here for them.”

Goodwill bookstore has areas for sitting and reading, and has eclectic décor that is both welcoming and interesting – including several art pieces that pay homage to artist Vincent Van Gogh.  The shop is located at 8167 Lewis Ave in Temperance, MI 48182.  Learn more at https://www.goodwillsemi.org/

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