Smith Discount Books in Kempsville returns months after car crashed into it

BY JOHN-HENRY DOUCETTE

KEMPSVILLE — Smith Discount Books on Friday, May 12, welcomed a flood of returning customers who had missed the store at Providence Square Shopping Center. 

It had been closed since late December after an alleged drunk driver, who police said was going to the ABC store next door, crashed through the storefront of the family-owned business. 

Two people inside the store were injured, and the driver of the car faces criminal charges and is due in General District Court for a preliminary hearing on Friday, June 2, according to a court record.

“It’s been busy,” Smith said the morning after reopening. “They just wouldn’t stop coming in. We don’t want them to stop coming in.”

He said he’s grateful for the outpouring of support for the return of Smith Discount Books, which first opened in 1985.

“We’re blessed to be open again,” Smith said. “I’m not good at being retired.”

In addition to longtime customers, new ones also found the store upon its return. Lois Johnson of Kempsville said she was in for the first time – and she had just learned what the shop had overcome.

“This is a pretty amazing story,” she said.

Jennifer Dunlap of Kempsville said she had noticed the store remaining closed, but she was unaware when they were reopening.

“They were boarded up for so long,” Dunlap said. “I’ve been patiently – not so patiently – waiting for them to reopen.”

She spoke to Smith, back behind the counter again, along with Cyndy Ciccone, a longtime employee who was in the store the night of the crash.

“I’m glad you’re open again,” Dunlap said.

“Thank you,” Smith replied.

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