Posted: Feb 10, 2012 3:42 AM
Updated: Feb 10, 2012 6:59 AM
TUCSON - One of the oldest buildings in Tucson is the Charles O. Brown house. It's now Ben's Bells' second studio, located in the heart of downtown on Broadway, near Stone. Inside, you'll also find a new bookstore that's part of the project.
A senior at University High School came up with the idea and it's taken off. It's completely student run and non profit.
As you walk into the UHS Bookstore, there's a world of books to choose from. All of them are donated and the money from sales goes toward the Literacy Volunteers of Tucson -- a group that teaches adults to read.
"Knowing that 20% of Tucson is functionally illiterate and can't even fill out a job application, it just kind of scared me that so many people in our community, that I may interact with, may not be able to read, which is something that I love to do."
Nicole Urman opened the store at the beginning of the month. She never dreamed it could be this successful in such a short time.
"It's kind of an overwhelming feeling, but in a good way. It's a feeling that I've done something bigger than myself to reach out and really help other people in my community who I may not always think about or I may not realize are in need."
Anyone can find something to read, girls and boys of all ages. There are adult books and magazines.
"It's really cute and charming and it's easy to run. It's small and manageable and it's fun! You get to volunteer with your friends if you're in our club and it's just a really great experience and I'm really happy about it."
It's just her way to make an impact and her way make sure everyone in Tucson has the opportunity to read.
The store is only open on Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. In two weekends, volunteers raised about $150 for Literacy Volunteers.
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