The Book Store Brings Rare Service To Lake Elsinore

Used bookstores are harder and harder to find these days, but Norrie and Ann Marshall – 83 and 74 years of age, respectively -- have been bringing printed works to Lake Elsinore since 2000. And the community has taken notice of the service provided by these two Lake Elsinore seniors.

“In today’s economy, many are looking for used books instead of new and we can help with this,” Ann said.

With more than 120,000 books lining the shelves at The Book Store on Casino Drive in Lake Elsinore, the Marshall’s believe their shop is providing a rare service. The shop has a “swap out” policy, in which customers can exchange books: Once a customer is done reading a book purchased at the shop, The Book Store offers a 25 percent credit of the cost toward future purchases. The store also features $1 bargain books.

For their work in helping to promote reading in the community, the Marshalls received an appreciation award from Elsinore High School Principal Jon Hurst and the school’s librarian Dalila Ortiz for stocking high school advanced placement reading program books. 

“Many teachers come in to stock up their classrooms,” Ann said.

The Marshalls also encourage high school students to apply for work at The Book Store.

“I have hired high school and college students,” Norrie said. “High schoolers usually stay through college. I emphasize school and family first and when the semester changes, we work with our employees to make it fit their schedule. Many of these past employees we have mentored still come back and visit.

“I love this business. I always wanted a bookstore to retire in,” Norrie continued. “I have a place to go every day, people to meet. I am known for being quite opinionated and like talking to people and debating issues on all subjects.”

The Book Store features an extensive library of categories for all ages in both paperback and hardcover, and they rent and sell audio books on CD. 

For more information:  

The Book Store

31760 Casino Drive, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530

951-471-8558

Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; closed Sunday.