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Independent bookstore in Columbia’s Five Points opens its doors

Christina Lee Knauss //March 2, 2023//

Independent bookstore in Columbia’s Five Points opens its doors

Christina Lee Knauss //March 2, 2023//

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Book lovers have a new home in Columbia’s Five Points district.

All Good Books, the neighborhood’s first independent bookstore in many years, held its grand opening and ribbon cutting at noon on Thursday, March 2.

Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann joined members of Columbia City Council, Richland County Council and a large crowd of more than 100 supporters for the grand opening ceremony.

Ryan Coleman, director of economic development for the City of Columbia, said the bookstore drew the best crowd for a business opening that officials have seen since they started hosting the special events in support of new businesses.

The 3,000-square-foot bookstore is located inside a historic building at 734 Harden St. Known as the Hair Building, it was built in 1923 and previously housed the Parthenon, a popular Greek restaurant, and The Thirsty Parrot, a now-defunct bar.

Dewey Ervin Architectural of Columbia handled the design and McCrory Construction was the general contractor for the renovations on the building, which started during summer 2022.

“We could not have done this without this level of support,” said Clint Wallace, who partnered with his friend Ben Adams to open All Good Books.

The city’s desire for a new independent bookstore has been evident since All Good’s owners first floated the idea for the store and launched a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign to raise funds.

All Good Books offers a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction for all ages, including a large selection of books for children and young adults. The expansive, airy store features gleaming hard wood floors, space for browsing and reading, and a children’s story hour space featuring a mural by local Columbia artist Marie DeFelice.  Store owners hope to offer a wide variety of events including book signings and discussions.

All Good Books will be open 10 a.m. to 7 pm. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

 

 

 

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