Book Store Grand Opening Postponed

This one didn't go by the book.

The grand opening of the Half Price Books in Dublin was postponed until March 3 after part of the ceiling at the store collapsed this week.

The celebration was supposed to take place Thursday at the store at 7898 Dublin Boulevard. However, after two ceiling panels fell Wednesday, company officials decided to put off the opening in the interest of safety.

"It could have been dangerous. We're just glad it happened when nobody was in the store," said Kathy Doyle Thomas, an executive vice president for Half Price Books. "It was traumatic for our employees, though. They were all geared up for the opening."

Instead, the workers greeted dozens of shoppers who showed up Thursday for what they thought was a grand opening. The customers were told of the mishap, given tote bags and $5 gift certificates.

They were told the store could open as early as Wednesday, although the grand opening will remain on March 3.

"Most of the people have been understanding," said Thomas.

Don and Laura Schulenberger drove from San Jose to check out the new store. They were disappointed by the delay.

"I had my eye on a couple things in there," said Don Schulenberger.

The couple was going to drive to the Half Price Books in Concord. However, they plan to return to the Dublin store on March 3.

"This store is a lot bigger and a lot nicer," said Laura Schulenberger.

Bettina Cruz and Melissa Pascua, both from Dublin, brought their children to the scheduled opening. The friends said they are glad to see the discount retailer in their town.

"I'm very happy," said Cruz. "I didn't even know a store like this existed."

"I'll probably be coming once or twice a month," added Pascua.

Half Price Books has 112 stores nationwide. The Dublin store is the fourth in the Bay Area, joining Fremont, Concord and Berkeley.

The Dublin outlet is larger than most of the chain's stores. It's 10,800 square feet and will carry 120,000 books.

Half Price Books gets its books from two sources. One is buying slightly used books from individuals. The other is purchasing overstock from publishing companies.

As the name implies, the chain sells its books at lower prices than other stores.

"We offer a different niche," said Thomas. "Some of our books are one of a kind."

Thomas said her company is excited to be part of a shopping center on a busy boulevard that includes stores like and . The center also has plenty of parking and easy access.

"We think the center provides us with a good customer base," she said.