The Booksmith in Seneca, S.C., has closed after five years in business due to the ending of a lease, but owner VaLinda Miller is already planning to open Turning Page Bookshop later this year at 216 Saint James Ave. #F in Goose Creek, a suburb of Charleston. The bookstore will offer new books and sidelines, as well as book signings and a children's room. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for June 1.
A "major plus" of the new venture is that Miller is a Goose Creek resident and can now add more to her community while continuing to work at her full-time job. "A new adventure with a new beginning," she said. "It's too, too exciting!
Miller is a past board member of the Friends of the Charleston County Library, current board member of the Friends of South Carolina Libraries and a member of the Black Ink Book Festival, held each year to promote African American authors.
On the Booksmith's Facebook page last month, Miller posted: "We are sad, but we are also happy for the new adventure.... You will never know how much we will miss you and Seneca with all of the parks, waterfalls, the lake and especially YOU. You are and still are the BEST CUSTOMERS in the world and we truly appreciate everything you have done for us. You have been kind, god loving, passionate, graciously thoughtful, beautiful, generous, compassionate, and so much more. We will update you on our move and you can watch the adventure with us. It will be exhilarating!!"