Here's why this Iowa bookstore owner is delivering books himself during the COVID-19 pandemic:
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delivering books locally himself at no charge since late March, when the store's doors had to temporarily close to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.When bookstores were declared non-essential businesses by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds in late March, Bart Carithers, owner ofin Cedar Rapids, wanted to find a way to ensure customers could still get books quickly. He chose to offer free book delivery to those in Cedar Rapids and neighboring communities, taking on the task himself.
Carithers is now averaging 20 deliveries per week, with the service available Monday through Friday. If a book is in stock or when an order comes in, he’ll deliver the book that day to avoid delays. “A number of folks who take sheltering in place seriously usually order more than one book at a time,” he said, with most ordering between one and ten titles. The most popular titles have been novels, as well as some nonfiction, including memoirby Erik Larson.
Carithers ensures customers’ safety by sanitizing his hands, wearing gloves and a mask and exercising proper social distancing. More than simply being a book delivery service, Carithers offers the opportunity to engage in live discussion during this time of social isolation. “It’s not uncommon for folks to come out of their homes and want to talk for a few minutes after I’ve left books on their doorstep, porch, or in the mailbox.
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