Friends of the Library Book Store Opens in Lahaina

FOL volunteer Brenda Gazabat waits on Oliver Knapp at the new Friends of the Library Book Store in Lahaina. Photo by Susan Halas.

By Susan Halas

The New Year brought a new book store to Lahaina. The Maui Friends of the Library (which has operated a used book  store in Puunene for many years) opened a second outlet at Wharf Cinema Center at 658 Front Street.

The new facility is on the top level of the shopping complex next door to the movie theater. It occupies a retail space of about 700 square feet stocked with a wide assortment of second hand books. Prices range from $1 to about $6. Business hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“This has been a really busy place,” said store manager JoAnn Carroll. “We are averaging about a hundred people a day.” Carroll, who recently closed the Old Lahaina Book Emporium, is back on the book store scene again as the lead volunteer. She is assisted by a rotating crew of about 10.

The shop is on the top level of the Wharf next to the movie theater. Photo by Susan Halas.

Staffing the cash register on Friday was volunteer Brenda Gazabat, a Kaanapali resident, who was pleased with the interest in the new shop. She confirmed that traffic has been brisk. “All proceeds,” she said, “go to benefit the libraries in Maui County.”

“I’m stoked that there’s a new place for book lovers to shop in Lahaina,” said Honokowai resident Oliver Knapp as he purchased a Terrance McKenna paperback. “I’ll be back.”

Friends of the Library Bookstore – Lahaina,

"This is a very busy place," said manager JoAnn Carroll. Photo by Susan Halas.

The Wharf Cinema Center, 658 Front St., Lahaina. www.mfol.org 667-2696