Among stacks of books in a quiet and cozy bookstore on Main Street in Lebanon Oregon, Kern has built a following. The one-time nurse, advertising researcher, and kindergarten teacher has no qualms about running the book business in a new age of publishing. "My customers are older," Kern said.
Jan's Books and David's Sports Cards(Jan's son has a stake), located at 678 Main St. Lebanon, sells a mix of new and used books, sports cards, and collectibles. Kern started the store in 2003 and with a work ethic that seems outdated, she has made the store a well known book hub in and out of the quaint little town.
After five bouts with cancer, Kern, the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, doesn't seem to recognize the word "quit", saying: "We find books at the best price and never mark-up shipping."
Kern said she searches databases and shipping options diligently. That kind of approach to her customers has resonated in this small, tight-knit community. Her customers are repeat buyers who tell their friends. Advertising on KSHO radio is good, "but word of mouth is my advertising." Kern also said that the multiple book clubs she belongs to, help find the absolute best option for the customer.
Kern's nursing and teaching instincts haven't been forgotten in the used bookstore. The store ships books to prisons and homeschoolers. And the store helps provide GED study material to prisoners as well. Jan's Books also supplies free maps for tourists in the summer, who are a large part of the store's business. "Donate maps if you can," said Kern.
And the always busy Kern isn't lost on homegrown writing. Jan's Books specializes in local authors and Oregon literature.
Local Authors and Oregon Literature at Jan's Books in Lebanon
Kern also promotes local music in the bookstore and has various posters about upcoming performances. When it comes to the internet, Kern isn't intimidated by the success of products like Kindle and Nook. "It has had zero effect on my sales," said Kern, and she warned consumers to beware of abridged versions of books- a common mistake when buying virtual books.
Paperback fiction makes up the largest slice of the sales pie at Jan's Books, but anything from shop manuals and textbooks to The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton is available. The store has gradually been increasing stock of the latest "best sellers" and devotes a shelf to the increased demand.
The literary world is at your fingertips inside Jan's Books. "I find stuff here cheaper than elsewhere," said Kristen Lee, who shops at Jan's Books, driving in from Salem to look for books and "stuff", as she put it.
Kern enjoys spending time with her fellow Sweet Home Elkettes and doing needlepoint sewing when at home, but admits she rarely has free time. She smiled and claimed, "I AM doing my hobby."
Jan Kern working late.
Jan's Books 678 Main St. in Lebanon
Monday - Friday 9:30-6, and 9:30-4 on Saturdays.
Phone: 541 258 7151.
Email: sisterhenry@comcast.net
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