Changing Hands Bookstore

Bob Summers works at Changing Hands bookstore.

They opened on April Fool’s Day, 1974 with a big interest in books and community service and an eye toward books not readily available elsewhere. The store began as a worker-owned business and decisions were made by consensus.


They outgrew their original 500′ space and moved in 1978 to Mill Avenue. They broke through the wall ending up with three levels. In early 2000, conditions at Mill Avenue forced them to close that store, but they continue their commitment at their new location.


In 1998 they opened a second location, which has about 100,000 new and used books in a store that is a work of art–soft curves, beautiful murals, interesting nooks filled with books and gifts for all tastes and budgets including music, cards, chimes, lamps, candles, incense, and aromatherapy products. It has become a community gathering place sharing space with a neighborhood bakery & cafe.


The worker-owned collective also evolved over the years. As the business grew, making decisions with a large group became unwieldy. They reduced to a core group and hired workers as employees. They maintain a commitment to fairness and involvement with all their employees. They are dedicated to doing business as a responsible member of their community in a manner that results in making a modest profit without exploiting their employees, vendors or customers.

Tags: Bob Summers, Changing Hands Bookstore