Food for hungry minds

Local News

Related Photos

Discussion

October 14, 2009

Paperback Exchange a 30-year success story

Tim Preston/The Independent The Daily Independent Wed Oct 14, 2009, 10:17 PM EDT

Ashland — Diane DiLego, owner of the Paperback Exchange in Ashland, has an unusual gift.

“For some reason I can remember what people have read. I can’t remember what I had for dinner last night, but I can remember what people have read,” DiLego said with a chuckle.

It is an ability that has earned the business next to Foodland on 13th Street a legion of loyal customers since it originally opened in another spot 30 years ago. Originally from Massachusetts, DiLego and her husband, Frank, moved to the area in 1977 when he accepted a job with Ashland Oil.

An avid reader, DiLego said she was extremely impressed with Boyd County’s library system although a little shocked to hear a series of people advise her a used-paperback bookstore would never stay in business here.

Borrowing the concept, and name, of a store in New Jersey, DiLego and friend Connie Booth started the local shop as a team, with assistance from Booth’s 3-year-old daughter, Shelly.

The women spent six months looking for a landlord who would even consider renting them space for their fledgling business, and ultimately stocked their shelves in a shop in along U.S. 60 in the Summit area.

“The owner was convinced it wouldn’t last so he didn’t give us a lease,” she recalled, noting the shop later burned when a restaurant in the same plaza caught fire.

The women and their young apprentice relocated to Ceredo and later sold that shop and moved to another location, enjoying a great working relationship for seven years and parting ways when Booth’s husband accepted a job in Texas.

“She would work mornings and I worked afternoons,” DiLego said. “We still have a toy corner over there. Connie’s daughter, Shelly, would see a kid come in and ask, ‘Would you like to come play with the toys?’ That was for any kid that came in — if they were 3 years old or 16 years old. I should say they worked the mornings and I worked the afternoons.”

A random sampling of customers in the shop provided plenty of reasons for the success of the Paperback Exchange. Janine Pelfrey of Kenova said she found the shop through an online search for bookstores that accept trade-ins.

“They have a great selection and good prices. She doesn’t try to stick it to you,” Pelfrey said. “And, if you can give any details about what you’re looking for, she’ll go, ‘Oh, you’re looking for this one.’ She has a way of pointing you in the direction you want to go.”

Sharon Mays of Ironton said she is shopping for books about the paranormal, and DiLego added the customer also appreciates “romance with some humor in it.”

“She knows me very well,” Mays concluded.

Tammy Smiley of Russell discovered the shop “on a drive-by” at least 25 years ago. She said she enjoys the shop’s relaxed atmosphere and appreciates the staff’s dedication to customers.

“Anything they suggest will be something you will like,” Smiley said. “Everybody that works here is a reader so they understand what readers want.”

Despite the predictions of doom for the business, DiLego said the “readers” of the area seem to like what the shop has to offer.

“At one or two years we were surprised we were still in business,” DiLego observed, stressing her appreciation for landlord Dr. Phillip Maroudis and co-workers Kathy Moore and Loretta Phipps. “Now I think we should be here for a good long time.”

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2651.

Text Only

Local News

Shepherd hopes to make ruling Tuesday
A Franklin circuit judge said Monday he hopes to issue a ruling by Tuesday on some lawmakers’ challenge to a state legislative redistricting plan passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear.

February 6, 2012
SLIDESHOW: Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI The New York Giants won their fourth Super Bowl and eighth NFL championship Sunday in Indianapolis, scoring in the final minute to defeat New England 21-17.
February 6, 2012 1 Photo
APD receives various theft reports
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:

February 6, 2012
Russell team takes rival in regional
Russell Middle School academic team coach John VanHoose said everyone was feeling the pressure from season-long rivals Verity Middle School as members worked to claim top scores during Saturday’s Region 18 Middle School Governor’s Cup competition.

February 6, 2012
Family traditions
Ralph Stanley II doesn’t complain when people talk about his daddy.

February 6, 2012
KSP trooper to perform in tribute concert
A Kentucky State Police trooper will trade his gray uniform for a sequined white jumpsuit next month to raise money to assist a cancer patient and several other causes.

February 6, 2012
What's happening: 2/6/12
The Kyova branch of the Boyd County Public Librart will host the Tax-Aide Program, conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.

February 5, 2012
Spirit strong for community event
Ashland’s Community Souper Bowl Party was so spirited, many in the crowd didn’t even realize there was a football game on the big screen.

February 5, 2012
Old union hall wall gives way
City workers in Catlettsburg were called to an emergency situation a few minutes before kickoff of the Super Bowl on Sunday when the front wall of an old union hall collapsed onto Main Street, according to Mayor Randal Peterman.

February 5, 2012
Mom, daughter share Scouting experience
After 13 years with the Girl Scouts, Chrissy Moore said she still likes to wear her vest, and she’s particularly proud of the patches and badges she’s collected.

February 5, 2012
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

Food for hungry minds

Paperback Exchange a 30-year success story

Site Map

Contact Us