First used book store in Hancock County opens in Bay St. Louis

BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WXXV) — A used book store is now open in Hancock County, offering community members a large selection of books at discounted prices.

“It’s kinda like opening presents on Christmas day, because you never know what you’re going to find in a used book store,” said John Brdecka, Executive Director of Hancock County Library System.

Second Line Used Bookstore is officially open!

After seeing just how much the community loved browsing and buying used books at their annual sale, the Hancock County Library System decided to turn that once-a-year event into something permanent. In August 2025, plans officially began to take shape to open the county’s only year-round used bookstore for the community to enjoy.

And in just six months, they have compiled over 3,500 donated books, which are now sitting on shelves ready to be purchased.

“It makes me feel… to be part of a community that’s full of readers. They want to read. They like a good book. They like a good sale,” said Brdecka. “We didn’t have a used book store in Hancock County, so putting this together, working with the Library Foundation, and producing a used bookstore fully operated by volunteers weekly feels good, because it’s something that our community wants.”

From children’s books, fiction and non-fiction, to cook books and self help, customers can purchase books knowing every penny goes straight to the library to support programming and events throughout the year. And, its all run by volunteers from the community.

“It’s very exciting. We had a great day yesterday. We have about 20 volunteers who involved in helping put this together. We’ve been working to price and shelve books since November, and it really has taken all those volunteers, but we’re now ready. We’ve got 3,500 books on the shelves,” said Sally Isaacs, President of the Library Foundation. “I want the community to know that every week we get donations of new books. So, you come in this week and you’ll see some books, you’ll come in next week and there will be new books on the shelves because we get them every day.”

Second Line Used Bookstore is always looking for used book donations and volunteers. Click here for volunteer information and hours the book store is open.