Greenville’s West Village welcomed a new community hub this August when independent bookstore To Be Read opened its doors at 1256 Pendleton Street. Owner Jen Ostafinski, who moved to Greenville from Detroit in spring 2023, transitioned her mobile book‑truck operation into a brick‑and‑mortar shop, fulfilling a long‑standing desire to give the Village a permanent place for readers.
From Box Truck to Storefront
Ostafinski’s journey began with a 15‑foot box truck filled with bookshelves that roamed farmers markets and local events across the greater Greenville area. “Doing it mobile really gave me the opportunity to build a clientele, get my name out there and kind of really see where a bookstore would be good,” she said. The mobile model allowed her to test neighborhoods, gauge demand, and connect with customers who might not otherwise visit a traditional shop.
In 2026, after several years of traveling and growing a loyal customer base, Ostafinski decided the Village needed a permanent bookstore. “The Village needed a bookstore for a really long time,” she explained. “A lot of people had been asking for it for a while.” The new location now offers shelves of new titles, a cozy reading area, and a dedicated space for events such as author signings and book clubs.
Trade‑In Program Supports Readers and Local Literacy
One of the first initiatives launched in the storefront is a trade‑in program that lets customers exchange gently‑used books for store credit. Donated books are either placed in the store’s used‑book section or given to the Greenville Literary Association, reinforcing the shop’s commitment to fostering a love of reading throughout the community.
Community Space in a Post‑Pandemic World
Ostafinski believes the store will serve as a modern “third space” – a gathering spot outside of work and home that families and individuals can rely on for safe, welcoming interaction. “People are looking for those community spaces and those safe spaces,” she said. “I think they come in and they see it’s cozy and it’s a good vibe, and hopefully they will keep coming back.” The store’s atmosphere aims to fill the void left by the decline of such gathering places during the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Future Plans
While the brick‑and‑mortar shop marks a major milestone, Ostafinski has not abandoned the mobile concept. She plans to continue visiting local markets with the truck, using it to reach neighborhoods that remain underserved by traditional retail. Additionally, she hopes to expand the store’s programming, offering more author events, reading groups, and partnerships with local schools and churches.
For more information, follow To Be Read on Instagram @tobereadgvl.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
