The Journey of a Book
Every used book on the shelves of the Teton County Library Foundation & Friends’ Book Nook carries two stories. The first is the one written by its author. The second is the remarkable journey it takes through the hands of generous donors, dedicated volunteers, and eager readers.
Since opening in 2004 during the library's major renovation, the Book Nook has become much more than a used bookstore. It is one of TCLFF’s three primary fundraisers. This year, used-book sales raised more than $40,000 to support library programs and services while giving thousands of books a second life.
Built at the request of the former Friends of the Teton County Library to establish a permanent, onsite used book sale, the Book Nook has grown into a beloved local institution. In fact, a recent community survey ranked it among the top three things people love most about the Library.
Donated
Every journey begins with someone deciding a beloved book deserves another reader. Friends Committee Book Nook Chair Virginia Adler credits the community’s immense generosity for keeping the shelves stocked. “This community loves to read and donate,” she said. “That’s a real asset in a small town.”
Processing a relentless daily influx of several hundred donated books (you heard that right) takes a coordinated, committed team in the Book Nook’s sorting room.
Sorted and Shelved
Step into the sorting room on any given day and you are likely to find volunteer Susan Brown unboxing, inspecting, and helping to triage the valley’s hand-me-down reads. “I love understanding where donated books go, so the sorting room was a natural volunteering fit for me,” she says.
Managing the logistics of these donations is the team’s leader, Pat Snyder. At 90 years old, Pat runs the entire operation with precision and energy, constantly stocking and reorganizing the Nook’s floor layout to keep the inventory fresh, accessible, and enticing for buyers.
While the Nook was once fully staffed by volunteers during all open hours, it transitioned to an honor-system after the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a significant reduction in in-person help. Still, volunteers remain the heartbeat of the space, and the Book Nook Committee’s aim is to return to having a fully staffed bookstore.
Beyond sorting and shelving books, volunteers like Maura O’Brien help maintain the space, assist patrons, and foster a warm, welcoming environment.
The camaraderie that develops in the Nook - both among volunteers and with patrons who just drop in to chat - creates a powerful sense of place. For Maura, the Nook was the perfect entry point into Jackson. Recently relocated, working remotely, and looking to put down roots, she began volunteering three days a week after work as a way to recharge and reconnect.
“It’s a complete ‘pick-me-up’ and a great way to be in the community,” Maura said, noting how the experience quickly made her feel like a true part of the Jackson and Teton County Library community.
Rediscovered
For book lovers, shopping the Book Nook is a continuous treasure trove. The inventory changes daily, offering everything from coffee table books to modern bestsellers and children's board books. No matter the genre, every book is in incredible shape, thanks to the sorting efforts of Pat and her team.
While volunteering, Maura has personally unearthed literary classics, discovered the works of Willa Cather, and expanded her contemporary collection. “I have even boosted my cookbook collection with great finds by Alison Roman and the Barefoot Contessa,” Maura says. She has channeled these discoveries into a creative personal challenge. “I have a cookbook project where I’ve color-ordered my shelf, and I cook one recipe per book, per week,” she said.
Maura's experience is exactly what makes the Book Nook so special. Every day, someone walks through its doors looking for a book and leaves with a new favorite, an unexpected discovery, or a story they didn't know they needed.
Yet, every book’s journey is more than just finding a new home. It has connected neighbors, inspired volunteers, delighted readers, and helped support the library's programs, services, and resources, ensuring there are always new stories waiting to be discovered.
[Love books? Love getting to know people in our community? Sign up to volunteer in the TCLFF Book Nook!
The Next Chapter for Every Donation
Not every book is destined for a spot on the Book Nook’s shelves. Pat and her team of volunteers have a specific distribution process to ensure that every single donation finds its highest and best use, whether that's the Book Nook, a neighborhood Little Free Library, Sage Living, the Jackson Hole Airport Book Shelf, or an online bookseller.
The Book Nook: The absolute best, highest-quality donations are selected to line the shelves of the library’s Book Nook, where patrons can purchase directly.
Community Shelves: Older but still high-quality books are redirected out into the valley. They stock the popular Jackson Hole Airport Book Shelf - perfect for travelers, as there is no official bookstore - and fill our 11 Little Free Libraries located throughout the County.
Sage Living: Large-print editions are saved and delivered to the residents at Sage Living, ensuring local seniors have easy access to reading materials.
Online Book Sellers: Rare, specialized, or highly valuable editions are routed to online book sellers, maximizing the financial return on unique donations. All proceeds benefit the Library.