Book ReViews, 123 S. Main St., is now officially part of Et Cetera Shop, Inc.

While the popular Main Street used bookstore has operated for several years as a partner with Et Cetera and Ten Thousand Villages, Et Cetera Shop became the owner on Feb. 22.

To commemorate the transfer, the Et Cetera Board held a “signing over” of the Bill of Sale from bookstore owner Ruth Unrau, and acknowledgement of Unrau’s time, talent, resources, energy and dream of the mission of the shop.

John Rich, representing Benji Bergstrand, president of the Et Cetera Corp. board of directors, read a letter of appreciation to Unrau during the ceremony.

“When you and Walt, opened The Book ReViews in 2001, Bluffton, was without a bookstore. Your business has been an asset to Bluffton’s Main Street by adding another venue to attract business and keep store fronts open,” he said.

“Book lovers flocked to your store and became loyal customers. Many became volunteers when recognizing the value of the store’ mission.

“You have encouraged people to read by providing books at reasonable prices…. by making your dreams of a used bookstore a reality you have given us an on-going opportunity to grow and benefit others,” he said.

Prior to opening the store in Bluffton, Ruth and her late husband, Walt, operated Book ReViews in Newton, Kansas, where they lived prior to moving to Bluffton.

The transfer is not the retirement of Unrau. She will continue as a volunteer in the store.

Under the umbrella of Et Cetera Shop, proceeds from the sale of books at Book ReViews will assist the work of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).