ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Steele Memorial Library in Elmira has an official bookstore inside, courtesy of the Friends of the Chemung County Library District. The 'Friends Book Store' will have its ribbon-cutting ceremony in two days, but it's open now for people to buy used books, movies, and puzzles.

"It is a bookstore that is devoted to raising funds for the Chemung County Library District. It is located in the Steele Memorial Library, but funds are distributed to the five libraries which are the Steele, Horseheads Free Library, West Elmira Library, Big Flats Library, Van Etten Library, and the Bookmobile," said the Head of the Book Store Committee and member of the Friends Board of Directors, Joe Caparulo.

Caparulo said the money goes towards children's programs, teen events, and digital upgrades to different aspects of the library. 

Hard cover books at the 'Friends Book Store' are $2 and soft cover books are $1. Children's books are four for $1. Caparulo said that the low costs can help boost literacy rates.

"[It] raises literacy rates and [get] as many books as we can get out into the hands of children and families. [It's] a primary goal because we need to have children get used to the fact that there are other ways to read besides watching," said Caparulo.

The 'Friends Book Store' is open at the same time as the Steele Memorial Library. The hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While the 'Friends Book Store' has been open since Spring 2022, an official ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, December 6th at 11:30 a.m.

The best place for people to donate their used books, puzzles, and DVDs is at the Steele Memorial Library.

 For a list of events happening within the CCLD, click here.