Call Number:

1994.025

Repository:

Old York Road Historical Society

Extent:

2.5 linear feet

Language:

English

Date:

1959-1993 (inclusive)

Creator:

The Bookstore, Inc. (Jenkintown, Pa.).

Form:

Independent bookstores

Abstract:

The Bookstore was established in 1959 as a non-profit book selling business for the benefit of the Jenkintown Library in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Bookstore, Incorporated records, 1959-1993, are comprised of financial records of the organization.

The Bookstore was established in 1959 as a non-profit book selling business for the benefit of the Jenkintown Library. It was first located at the corner of Leedom and Greenwood Avenues, and moved to a more visible location in Jenkintown Square on Old York Road in 1976. In 1990, in an effort to better compete with Encore Books, it moved to an upper level location at Jenkintown Square and concentrated on offering children's books. With the arrival of Barnes and Noble, the business was no longer sustainable, and The Bookstore closed in 1993. Operated entirely by volunteers, it had raised over $200,000 for the Jenkintown Library.

This collection consists almost entirely of financial records. Account books, 1959-1988 (10 volumes) provide the most complete accounting for that period. From 1988 to 1993 a miscellaneous group of records have been retained that may give some idea of the store's financial activities. There are balance sheets, cancelled checks, and state sales tax records. There are also financial records related to the 1993 closing, including publisher refunds.

Among the other miscellaneous files are publicity/advertising material, 1959-1964, 1981-1983, 1991-1993.

Box 1: Account Books, 1959-1977

Box 2: Account Books, 1978-1988; Financial Statements, 1978-1986

Box 3: Checks and check stubs, 1988-1992

Box 4: Financial Records, 1991-1993

Box 5: Tax Records; Publicity/Advertisements; Miscellaneous