There are shops and then there are destinations; Slack’s Book Barn is the latter. It’s a destination worthy of a long drive, but thankfully for those living in Muskingum County, you can conveniently visit often, as the Book Barn is centrally located downtown at 1124 Wayne Ave., Zanesville.
The Book Barn is owned by David and Tina Slack. They started the business in 2020 after combining David’s experience of previously owning a bookstore, Tina’s former retail expertise, and their combined interest in books and reading.
“It’s like a semi-retirement kind of thing. Why don’t we start a business so we can stay together and do stuff together? So I said, ‘Well, I used to have a bookstore.’ And she said, ‘I used to want to be a librarian.'”
Slack’s Book Barn has a massive selection of over 60,000 used titles spanning all genres, including mystery, horror, western, romance, science fiction, fantasy, and more! Local history, classics can also be found, as well as an entire upstairs dedicated to non-fiction, ranging from nutrition and cookbooks, religious books, biographies, autobiographies, history, children’s educational books, books on automobiles and transportation, you name it, the Book Barn likely has it!
In addition to thousands of non-fiction titles, the first floor has a dedicated children’s section.
Although most of the store is dedicated to providing great deals to customers by offering $3.00 for small paperbacks, $4.00 for large paperbacks, and $5.00 for hardback books (unless otherwise marked), some rare books can also be found and are priced individually.
A small selection of comic books is also available. They are marked $2.50 each, and graphic novels are $5.00.
Slack’s Book Barn uses the tagline, ‘Where all our books come from our customers.” Books, especially fantasy and sci-fi titles, are in high demand and are always something David and Tina look for.
“We’ve got a lot of mystery because mystery readers, they read their story and then they bring us the book and then they get another book and they don’t. But fantasy and sci-fi people collect books,” explained David. “So we’re always looking for really good stuff from there.”
For non-fiction, the Slacks are looking for good History titles, especially local history books, early American history, etc.
When it comes to specific authors, some that they are always on the lookout for include Stephen King, James Patterson, and Michael Connelly, to name a few.
While tending to the Book Barn, Tina likes to work on book folding, creating artwork from used “unsellable” books. These make perfect gifts for anyone who loves to read. She can take ideas from customers and turn them into an image that can be folded into the pages. She has made one for Buckeye’s fans, sports, and holiday-themed designs, animals, as well as intricate hearts and the tree of life. Prices range from $35 to a simpler design up to $125 for more intricate folds.
“This is the kind of place where you can come and find something you never knew you needed, never knew you wanted,” David said. “Browsing’s become something you swipe right on. … “The surprise, the being able to just walk around and look and touch. I think people miss that.”
Gift certificates for any amount are offered and are a great idea for a reader on your list. They also make great stocking stuffers for kids and teens!
“If your wife’s a reader and you don’t know what to buy her, this is the place to come. Come and get a gift certificate and give it to her. It solves a lot of problems for a lot of guys,” David added.
One of the things that Tina likes the most about running the bookstore is the interactions with customers and friendships that have formed through meeting new people.
“We’ve got some older people, I think they come in just to talk sometimes. They buy a book and stand and talk for a while. I mean, it’s nice for all of us. Not just him and I, but for them also,” said Tina. “I always bring smiles to people’s faces when I talk to them personally. When I recognize them, too. … “And I think that’s why I get along with so many of the kids because as soon as they come in and I learn their names, then I talk to them like they’re on their level, not above them or anything.”
“I’ll tell my story about my little guy. He and his grandma started coming in here when he was like a year and a half old. Well, he took ownership. This is his bookstore. So he became like three, four. He’s in school now. He’s almost six. So three or four, everyone he would meet for the first time, he’d say, ‘Have you been to my bookstore?'” Tina explained.
Slack’s Book Barn can be reached by calling 740-297-7133. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m. Follow them on Facebook for updates, new products, and changes to store hours.
CAPTION: Tina and David Slack, owners of Slack’s Book Barn in Zanesville. PHOTO: DRESDEN BUZZ