That Bookstore in Blytheville*

That Bookstore in Blytheville opened in 1976 as a paperback exchange that blossomed into a local landmark and a nationally known independent bookstore.

Its owner, Mary Gay Shipley, says community involvement goes both ways.

“We believe that community support is earned by supporting the community,” she said.

The bookstore’s reach has extended from Blytheville to the rest of Mississippi County and from northeast Arkansas to statewide and beyond.

Recipients of TBIB’s time, energy and donations include The United Way, Founders Club, Blytheville Arts Council, Friends of the Ritz, Main Street Blytheville, Mississippi County Community Foundation and Arkansas Women’s Foundation.

The Book Angel Tree, organized by TBIB, is a popular project that puts books in the hands of hundreds of needy children each year.

Another innovative outreach is the Prescription for Reading program.

TBIB provided prescription pads to the county health unit, and parents were given a “prescription” good for a free children’s book from TBIB. Staff members were encouraged to talk about the importance of reading to children.

Targeting children in Head Start programs and encouraging others to donate reading time and books are areas of importance for TBIB.

The bookstore serves as a ticket outlet for numerous charity events.

Other Arkansas charities supported by TBIB include The Porter Fund, Arkansas Community Foundation, Arkansas Educational Television Network and KASU-FM 91.9 in Jonesboro.

If Shipley ever does retire, she says she’ll remain active on the charity front. But she’s not planning to retire in the immediate future.