Ben’s Bookstore was a fixture for many years at 810 Center Street and a favorite of local bibliophiles.
When it closed, it left a void, but now there’s a new bookstore.
After it closed, the Miller family saw it being advertised for sale on Facebook and getting the store for Melody Miller, a 19-year-old Taft Union, graduate working toward a  certificate in library science it was a perfect opportunity.
Melody talked with Ben Mangum, the founder and long-time owner, about buying the store, the day after seeing the post
The Miller family, including parents Jordan and Shannon, jumped at the opportunity.
“It was definitely not in our plans, but when we saw the saw the chance to maintain our roots in Taft, we took it,” Shannon Miller said.
They changed the name to something more fitting and The Next Chapter was born.
“We knew we wanted to change the name to something for fitting, she said. “A new vibe a new look.”
The Millers are hoping to change the store to attract more high school and college aged readers with a “learning vibe” at the store.
At any rate, Shannon Miller said they’ve made local book lovers happy.
“A lot of people are coming in and saying they’re happy the book store is staying ,” she said.
It’s still selling used books and is open on Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Next Chapter will be hosting a Taft Chamber of Commerce Sit n’ Sip there on Wednesday at 9 a.m.