Frames Etc. is inviting the public to an open house Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. celebrating independent book store day and its expansion and renovation of its popular book section.
Several pop-ups will be on site selling items like dirty sodas, baked goods and flowers (which can be paired with book-themed vases the store sells.)
Local author James Pylant will also signing books from 10 a.m. to noon, and there will be giveaways all day.
The event also gives visitors a chance to see the book store’s redesign.
“I think it’s surprising to people how many used books we have,”said Julie Lowrance, whose family has owned the business for more than 40 years, offering custom frames, gifts, apparel and more. Lowrance said the store has around 20,000 used books in the inventory, priced anywhere from 99 cents to $7.99.
With the expansion, they have added 1,500 new titles to their stock ranging from classics to popular 2026 releases.
“It’s just grown bigger and bigger as far as new books go,” she said. “People started asking us for new books and really started hammering on us a few months ago.”
The family and staff decided to meet the demand and gave the store a fresh look while doing it.
A popular feature of the renovation is a colorful fire place made out of old hardbacks with an adjoining seating area. “People ask what are you going to do if someone wants one of those books,” said Lowrance with a laugh. “We say, ‘Well, they’re screwed together so they’re furniture now!’” With thousands of other selections, customers are likely to find something that interests them. They can also turn to the current staff picks if they’re looking to try something new. The new layout also showcases the variety of books in stock including mystery, westerns, fiction, nonfiction, recipe books, biographies and more.
Frames Etc. is located at 221 N. Belknap Street, just off the square in Stephenville. It is open from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, visit framesetc.net.