Western Oregon Journal

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            Steve and Dina Canter love books, and they used to browse stores like the one they now own while they were dating. But even more than a good read, the Canters love to bring books to other people, and their store is one of the charms of living in a small town like this one.

            The Canters own Second Chance Bookstore, a buy/sell/trade kind of place that specializes in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and lots of room to browse. Open since 1993, the bookstore recently moved to its present location at 307 S. Main St. in Independence, and things are going great. Says Steve, “Its amazing how strong we are; we moved, but didn’t skip a beat in business and customers” 

            The customers are why the Canters enjoy doing what they do, and Steve cites watching families grow up and meeting cool people as reasons why he loves owning a bookstore. “You never know who will come in! In twelve years I’ve had maybe half a dozen bad vibes, and we are open six days a week. That’s pretty good!”

            Second Chance has a wide variety of subjects, everything from popular fiction and romance to gardening and reference, and Steve wants to continue to grow every section he has. Chances are, if you like to read, there will be something for you at Second Chance.

            The way the store is set up really gives the customer a great price break, too! Either pay the low price penciled in on the inside cover, or bring old books from home and trade them, then accumulate credit that goes to pay for half the price of any books you purchase. So if that special book is $5.50, with credit it’ll cost only a measly $2.75! Not bad when university bookstores rob students blind.

            Steve acknowledges that as far as textbooks go, his store may not be the place to look, but he adds that for research purposes, he has a wide range of subjects and good texts, if not specific ones. The Second Chance reference and classical literature sections are worth a look however; often there are books that will pass just fine for texts at a tiny fraction of the price. The Canters can also order almost any used book, so when in doubt ask for a special order; undoubtedly it will still be cheaper than elsewhere. 

            Even if students’ class loads don’t call for a trip in search of cheaper textbooks, Second Chance is still worth a stop. Says Steve, “It is good for a town to have a bookstore because it’s a good place to meet people, to get out of the rain and just to find some great deals.”

 If there is even a tiny bit of the bookworm in you, you will enjoy Second Chance bookstore immensely. The owners are some of the nicest people you will meet in town—stop in once and they will remember your name and probably what you like to read the next time you come in. To quote a customer who was gleefully browsing as this interview took place, “I just love this bookstore!”

            Steve Canter’s reply is simply, “This is an environment where everyone is happy”

Second Chance bookstore is located at 307 S. Main St, their phone number is 838-5279, and they are open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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