Travelers passing through the Chattanooga Airport now have the option for a unique experience due to a new partnership between airport officials and the Friends of the Chattanooga Public Library.
A new 24/7 bookstore, SkyLib, is now open, operating on an honor system and offering patrons popular titles for $3-$5. After the amount necessary for the rental space inside the airport is taken out of the profits, all proceeds will go toward the nonprofit's literacy programs.
"Especially in a regional airport in a city like Chattanooga, it's harder on a regular bookstore," FOCPL Executive Chair William Sundquist said. "[SkyLib] gives a good opportunity to have a bookstore - an old-fashioned, hold-a-book opportunity - with a benefit to a local organization. It's a win-win."
Categories of books available at SkyLib are travel, foreign language, social science, technical, business, history, biography, health, Christian, philosophy, self-improvement, sports, art, music, fiction, science fiction and mysteries, as well as young adult fiction and children's books.
Although the bookstore has been open unofficially for several weeks, a grand opening celebration was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 6. p.m.
Mayor Andy Berke and other dignitaries will be present at the celebratory event.
"...These days, it's unheard of to find a good book for $3-$5," Sundquist said. " And in turn, it also helps the betterment and the future of the public libraries."
SkyLib operates on a donation basis for its stock. Those interested in donating to fill the shelves can do so by dropping off books at any Chattanooga Public Library branch. To learn more, visit friendsofthelibrary-chattanooga.com or contact FOCPL at folibchatt@gmail.com.
Email Gabrielle Chevalier at gchevalier@timesfreepress.com.