The Book Center

03/02/2025

Alice has left the building! (with her new mom Deborah)

02/24/2025

02/24/2025

The last day of the Book Center's closing sale is Sunday, March 2nd. The discount on new books, children’s toys, and premium ci**rs and pipe tobaccos is 40% off. Cigar boxes are now buy one, get two for free. Used books remain at 50% off. A variety of book posters and artwork are also available for $2 - $5.

Several lighted Christmas trees are marked down to $25, along with assorted decorations, tablecloths. The free table has been expanded to 2 tables, and includes everything from p**p bags to wire cutters, from file folders to desk accessories.

The Book Center will be closed this Tuesday (2/25) and Wednesday (2/26) but will be open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am-3pm.

02/06/2025

The Book Center, located at 15 N. Centre Street, will be closing its doors on February 28, after over 73 years and three separate locations in Downtown Cumberland. While rumors have circulated around town since mid-summer, owner Gayle Griffith has officially announced the end of this month as the store's final day of operations.

Lee Schwartz and Gayle Griffith moved the store to North Centre Street 35 years ago, making it a retail anchor for downtown. The store sold books, gifts, premium ci**rs, event tickets, newspapers, magazines, and lottery tickets, offering something for everyone. After Lee’s passing in May 2022, Gayle kept the store open. She says, “Closing the store was a hard decision, but it’s time. We dedicated our lives to The Book Center, and keeping it open these past few years brought me comfort. But Lee was its heart and soul, and it's time for a new future. I am deeply grateful to our wonderful staff and loyal patrons who made The Book Center what it has been all these years.”

One of the most frequently asked questions concerns Alice, our store cat, and her future. Alice is 15 years old, has been the store’s official greeter, and has witnessed over 350 kittens being adopted. She has called The Book Center her home for almost her entire life. Since Alice needs to be an only kitty, none of the current staff can take her in. If you think you can provide a loving home for her, please contact The Book Center.

Starting Monday, February 10th, a storewide sale will take place with discounts ranging from 20% to 50% on virtually everything in the store. We will post photos of some unique and quirky items discovered during the cleanout, as well as furniture and office equipment, on Facebook and Facebook Marketplace.

The business is closing, but inventory and most fixtures are being purchased, with a goal of opening elsewhere. We sold the building in 2022, and the current owner is ready to start construction early summer. I sincerely hope that the Book Center finds another home in Downtown Cumberland eventually, and if you are interested, let's talk

01/03/2025

Just received ... originally sold as $59.95 each. Will sell compendium one and compendium two together for $90.00. Zombie lovers, these won't last long!

12/21/2024

It's the last Shop Small Saturday before the holidays! Stop by The Book Center today. We are happy to have local author Aurora Mahoney in store today from 1:00pm until 3:00pm to sign copies of her books, Eris and the Royal Tempest and Eris and the Reign of Deceit.

The Book Center is open until 5:00pm today. We hope to see you!

11/29/2024

05/18/2024

Alice and The Book Center invite you to join us today from 1:00-3:00pm for a book signing with local author Aurora D. Mahoney, who will have copies of both of her books on hand.

Alice will also be available as her mood allows.