Paul Rogers’ love of comic books and science fiction has led to a lifelong career.
“I started in comic books,” said Rogers of his first job at the Augusta Book Exchange. He would go on to manage it for more than two decades before purchasing the store a couple of years ago.
Located at 1650 Gordon Hwy., the Augusta Book Exchange is a used bookseller as well as comic book dealer and gaming location.
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At one time, there were four different locations. In the early days, Rogers worked at the one on Washington Road in the same shopping center where the former Masters’ Cinemas and Steinmart were located. The shop was next to a night club in the early days, and even though the store closed at 6 p.m. on Saturday, the sounds of the thumping band could be felt through the walls, he said.
When that happened, they knew it was almost closing time.
Over the years, the stores were pared down until one remained.
“They were all within a 10 to 15-minute drive of each other. We were competing with ourselves,” he said.
The Gordon Highway site has been open since 2002, and it’s conveniently located to Fort Gordon. A lot of its customers come from the military base, he said.
The Augusta Book Exchange started with used books and comic books, but over the years has expanded to include items for gamers such as specialty cards and dice. Before the pandemic, it was a hub for those who are involved in cards, miniatures or role-playing games. He has tables set up inside the store for gamers to use.
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Rogers said the games often extended later into the evening. Some of those games began their return June 30, but the late hours have not.
Rogers credits his loyal customers for the business’ success. It has weathered nearly four decades and a pandemic.
“I have a lot of repeat customers. I have generations of customers,” he said
Not only did customers bring in their children, but Rogers now sees the grandchildren of those original customers in his store.
Each year, the store participates in a couple of larger events such as Free Comic Book Day and Halloween Comicfest. Free Comic Book Day is usually held in the spring, but because of COVID-19, it will be Aug. 14. Halloween Comicfest is scheduled for Oct. 28.
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While he’s always loved comics, Rogers is a reader too. He’s always liked science fiction, but he’s branched out into Westerns. He said he reads more of them these days than sci-fi.
The Augusta Book Exchange is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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