The Paperback Book Exchange, located in Tabryn's Marketplace at 17-19 South Broad Street in Norwich, is a book trade-in service that allows area residents to turn in their used, paperback fiction books printed in 2000 or later for store credit toward purchases of other used books supplied by PBX. The group recently joined the umbrella of Improve Norwich Now, which will help them with things like nonprofit status, grant applications, and opportunities for author visits to the PBX. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — The Paperback Book Exchange (PBX) and Improve Norwich Now (INN) have announced that PBX has joined the umbrella of INN organizations.

PBX Coordinator Kisten Giglio said the group fits in perfectly with Improve Norwich Now's mission to improve literacy and remove barriers to literacy in the local community.

"One of the initiatives of INN is a literacy component, so we’re hoping to build that in by being more active with One Community, One Book, and other activities that we might have at PBX too, to support the literacy," said Giglio.

The partnership will also assist the PBX with their nonprofit status. Although the group has only existed as a community service, rather than a money-making business, they were not designated as a not for profit.

Joining the umbrella of INN will provide greater opportunities for grant applications and outreach, which could also open the door for author visits to the PBX.

"It will permit us more access to grants, more availability to apply. We didn't have a not for profit status so we were very limited in what we could do and how we could outreach. So this just expands that, just kind of makes that almost limitless," Giglio explained.

INN Co-founder Jen Westervelt said the partnership was a natural development, as the PBX has already been working for years to provide books to the community for a low cost.

"It’s a wonderful tie in with our existing push for literacy and breaking down the barriers of literacy, lack to access of resources, all of those things. So clearly PBX is making literature available to our community," said Westervelt. "We’re excited, too, about the future author connections, and as Kisten [Giglio] said, One Community, One Book, really logical tie-ins here. So this is a natural segue for us to be able to combine efforts."

The Paperback Book Exchange, located in Tabryn's Marketplace at 17-19 South Broad Street in Norwich, is a book trade-in service that allows area residents to turn in their used, paperback fiction books printed in 2000 or later for store credit toward purchases of other used books supplied by PBX.

Those looking to turn in their used paperbacks will receive 25 percent of the cover price in store credit, or $2.50 for books priced over $10. The credit can be used to purchase more books from PBX, or donated for future visitors to the store.

Books available for purchase at the PBX are priced at 50 percent of the cover price, with no books priced higher than $5.

In addition to supplying affordable books, the PBX has also begun offering fun and creative events and fundraisers.

On Friday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m., join the PBX for "Painting with a (Plot) Twist," where attendees will discuss the novel "Midnight at the Blackbird Cafe" while they paint an image of a blackbird. There are still spaces available, and participants must register by Thursday, April 27 by responding to the Facebook event or calling 607-316-0999. The event is $25 to register and a $5 donation to PBX the day of the event. Those who wish to read the book and discuss must buy their own copy.

"Right now you probably couldn't read and buy the book in time, but you can come and do the painting and listen and see what the next book is. There's going to be plenty of time for that. I was going to get the group’s input and we’ll probably post that event the next day or over the weekend," said Giglio.

On Sunday, May 7 from 1 to 3 p.m., the PBX will be holding a fundraiser at The Purple Mums in Afton, where participants can make just about any project they'd like. All profits from the event will be donated to the PBX to help offset the cost of rent. Visit The Purple Mums Facebook page for more details on possible crafted creations.

Monday, May 22 will be a Give Back Night benefiting the PBX at Nina's Pizzeria in Norwich, and Wednesday, May 24 will be a book club night with yoga. The event will include book discussion and a small craft from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by yoga from 7 yo 8 p.m. with Sara Delgado from the Lavender Lounge. Attendance is $20 for yoga and a $5 donation to the PBX. More information will be available on The Paperback Book Exchange Facebook page.

On Saturday, July 8, the PBX will be hosting a book and poem reading with signed copies of Verlyn Flieger's "A Waiter Made of Glass: Stories and Poems." More information can be found at press.signumuniversity.org/books/a-waiter-made-of-glass-stories-and-poems.

Giglio said events like these are new to the PBX, but she hopes to continue to offer at least one per month. She's also trying to collaborate with the other businesses inside Tabryn's Marketplace, further promoting the mission of Improve Norwich Now.

"I think the collaborative part, again, reflects the mission and vision of Improve Norwich Now," said Westervelt. "The interconnectedness of the different businesses there just shows the collaborative nature and spirit that is so beneficial."

Running the PBX also wouldn't be possible without the help of volunteers who donate their time to take book donations and process purchases. Those interested in volunteering can contact Giglio at 607-316-0999 for more information.

"It's really great to have these volunteers who are willing to give up their time to be able to share this with our community members," said Westervelt. "It’s really vital in a nonprofit to be able to leverage your volunteers and people who are willing to give up their own time to benefit the community."

The PBX is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

More information on The Paperback Book Exchange can be found on The Paperback Book Exchange Facebook page.