SUMMERDALE — Niels Hansen didn't see himself running a bookstore until his uncle offered him the keys to his storefront.

Hansen, an Army veteran, retired from the military around three years ago. Just before his retirement, his uncle John asked if he would be interested in taking over his bookstore, JHS Bookstore, in Foley, which he had owned for years and was also looking to retire.

He renamed it Legacy Books. His wife, Olivia, said they are trying to keep the legacy of John and his family's love of books going since taking over.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Hansens cut the ribbon to Legacy Books, now located in Summerdale at 100 State Highway 59. Both local leaders and residents of the community showed up, including Mayor Randy Farris.
Legacy Books is primarily a used bookstore, but Olivia Hansen said they are looking into selling new books in the future.

It's not just books they offer. They also sell movies, music and crafts from local artists. They also have a children's area, space for board games and card games, including Dungeons and Dragons and Magic the Gathering, and a stage for singers and performers.

She also said they plan to host community events, such as blood drives and an annual adoption event with The Haven.

"Part of this was keeping the family dynamic going and keeping the love of books and all of that going for Uncle John and Aunt Diane, but also just being a place where the community can come and hang out and find their books, do their thing and just enjoy my husband's retirement from the Army and our years with constantly traveling," she said. "We're ready to set down roots and be part of the Gulf Coast community."

Legacy Books is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.