Meet Value Books

Article published at: Mar 4, 2024 Article author: Cantoocity
Meet Value Books
All Community Article comments count: 0

During my recent visit to Japan, I explored several local trade shows. Among them, "Value Books," a used bookstore nestled in Ueda City, immediately captured my attention. Operating both online and in store, they embark on a mission to breathe new life into used books. Since 2007, Value Books has moved beyond selling books; it transforms unpriced ones into everyday products, continuously adding value to what others might discard.

Imagine this: Every day, Value Books receives a staggering 20,000 books from all corners of Japan. The twist? About half of them, couldn't be priced and were destined for waste paper collection. Recognizing the environmental impact, Value Books turned the challenge into an opportunity by collaborating with partners to give these unused books a fresh start. 

The "Notebook that was a Book" project began with the aim of preserving the essence of books; it encourages users to contemplate the value these books hold. The raw material for each notebook, the "paper that used to be a book," contains fragments hinting at its previous life as a comic, magazine, or poetry book. It serves as a reminder of the cycle of life, enabling each piece to narrate its story before embarking on a new chapter.

But their story doesn't end there. Later, I discovered their mobile bookstore, the "Book Bus" where 1,000 books at a time rolling into local communities, parks, and spots where little bookworms can immerse themselves in the joy of reading. This isn't merely a bookstore on wheels; it's a new approach to delivering knowledge and nurturing community. The profound value goes beyond the wheels; it's a belief in delivering these treasures to areas where they're needed the most.

Apart from these two initiatives, Value Books has developed various programs that are making a significant impact locally. Their dedication to purpose-driven efforts has touched my heart. They have shown me that incredible things can happen when businesses are guided by a strong sense of purpose.

Just like every repurposed book, each person has the potential to start a new chapter, contributing meaningfully to the world around us.


See you next time. 

Sherry, Founder & CEO of Cantoo City

 


 

Source: www.valuebooks.jp; IG@valuebooks_press


Don't miss out on the opportunity to share your story with us. We'd love to hear you! Drop us a message or comment below to share your journey with our community. 

For inquiries about our blog, please feel free to send a message to social@cantoocity.com

Share:

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published