Check Out Melanie Moore’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Moore.

Hi Melanie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was a teacher for 25 years and when I retired, I thought it was a good time to pursue my dream of opening a bookstore. It was in 2017 when I began my research. I talked with booksellers and owners throughout the country and took a week-long class in Florida learning everything I needed to know to open a bookstore. I knew for certain that I wanted to do something unique. After I finished reading Parnassus on Wheels, a book by Christopher Morley that was published in 1915 about a traveling, mobile bookstore, I was inspired. While sitting at my kitchen table, I looked out and saw my husband’s 1962 VW transporter parked in the driveway. In that moment everything clicked into place in my mind. I yelled to my husband, “honey, can I steal your truck?” And The Book Bus was born! After four years of popping up with The Book Bus around Cincinnati, I decided to find a space where I could park the truck inside the store and in 2023, I opened the The Book Bus Depot.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I really haven’t had any obstacles. Knock on wood!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I guess the teacher side of me wasn’t finished. Shortly after I opened the mobile bookstore, it started making money. I decided to take 100% of the profits to buy new children’s books and donate them to local schools and organizations. In 2023, I became an official 501c3 so that I could also receive monetary donations. At this point, I have donated well over $350,000 worth of new books back into the community.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
I couldn’t do what I do without my amazing staff of volunteers. As I grew as a business, I wanted to keep overhead costs down and profits up so that we could donate more books. I personally don’t take a salary and I have no payroll. The Book Bus has grown into what it is today because of the support of these generous individuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cincybookbus.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cincybookbus/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/cincybookbus/