The Dusty Bookshelf of Manhattan, Kansas has been an important part of Aggieville since 1985. The locally owned bookstore buys and sells secondhand books. In March 2017, The Dusty Bookshelf experienced a fire, which almost ended the business. The community of Manhattan supported Dusty in the renovations and rebuilding process, allowing the store to continue.

However, over the past few years, the rent has been increasing, making it a challenge for the bookstore to stay in business. Their lease will expire in Spring 2024, leaving questions on what is going to happen next. The store has had a relationship with the landlord and their family for over twenty years.

Diane Meredith, owner of the Dusty Bookshelf, said that with the store’s rising costs, running a small business is becoming difficult. “We can’t continue to keep Dusty open at the increased rent price,” Meredith shared. They are open to all options, one of those being making the business available for purchase. Meredith knows the store must adapt, sell the business, or close its doors.

The Dusty Bookshelf is part of the Acme Global family of companies in Aggieville. This includes Acme Gift, Acme Local, Thread, Super Cub, and Orange Sky Yoga. Meredith also has ownership in Varsity Donuts. No matter what happens, all of the current employees at the Dusty Bookshelf will be able to find jobs at one of the other businesses.