Last Friday was my birthday. (Yay for being a year older!) I celebrated by visiting some of the places I love. I went to Teazers, Frosted Cakery, Dusty Buns, and then I visited a new favorite place.
It’s no surprise to those who know me, but I love books. I love the smell of books. The feel. Not only do they tell a literal story, but they also tell a metaphorical one, especially used books. They tell where they’ve been. Sometimes you can see fold marks along the spine, or a dog-eared page. (Which I really don’t like.) So, when I read about the revival of Hart’s Haven Used Bookstore, I knew I wanted to visit. Using the “It’s my birthday, I’ll do whatever I want” excuse, I dragged my friend with me and headed over to Hart’s Haven to check it out.
After driving around a bit (we decided NOT to Google Map it), we finally found the cute bookstore (because we ended up putting the address into Google Maps).
Once we entered the bookstore, we were quickly greeted by the new owner, Barbara. Oh. My. Gosh. I loved her instantly. She is spunky, funny, a just a hoot to talk to! I’m pretty sure I could hang out with her all day long. I want her to be my new friend.
She gave me a quick tour, showing me different rooms and areas of the bookstore, where the walls are covered from floor to ceiling with books. After Barbara and I chatted for a bit, I took advantage of her July deal of the month. Right now she’s wanting to make room for the new books she has coming in, so she’s having a fill-a-box for only $3.00. This means all the books you can put in a box are yours for only $3.00! (Good through the end of July.) Being that I require the students I teach to do 2 book reports, I figured I’d use this as an opportunity to offer them some quality literature to choose from. While I was searching through the used books, I noticed there were some gems! There were books I hadn’t seen in ages! Some classics, some newer stories, autobiographies, popular fiction, and odd titles I had never heard of. It was so much fun to look through the books. I walked out with a huge bag full, and I didn’t even touch half of the store!
So this might be the time where you’re thinking, “Yeah, a new bookstore, so what?” Well, the thing is, this is not a new bookstore. It’s a used bookstore (see what I did there?), and it’s been around for a while. As a new owner, Barbara is doing something a little different. She’s thinking outside of the bookstore walls. During the hours when the store is closed, Barbara will be offering Jazzercise classes. Yes, this used bookstore will also be home to a Jazzercise studio! Such fun, right?! There is a space in the back that will serve as a studio. To see some of the progress of how the studio is coming along, check out her Facebook page, Jazzercise Tower.
Now, I’ve never taken a Jazzercise class, but I’ve fallen in love with Barbara, so I think I’m going to try out a class or two! Barbara’s been a student of Jazzercise for 6 years, and has been teaching for 3.
The classes will be held:
Monday-Thursday 5:30pm-6:30pm
Tuesday-Friday 8:30am-9:30am & 9:30am-10:30am
Saturday 8:30am-9:30am
For $39 a month you can attend any or all of the classes offered. It’s unlimited.
This is not your mom’s jazzercise class, this will be a fun, modern day version. No leg warmers required, but you might be a class favorite if you show up wearing some. 😉
Finally, if you’d like to get a tour or meet Barbara, she’s having a Meet and Greet on August 1st. You can go in, get a tour, ask questions, get some books, and just hang out. I promise you’ll love Barbara, or at the very least, like her a lot. 😉
Hart’s Haven Used Bookstore
950 N Van Ness
Fresno, CA 93728
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