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By Lew Gilliland

The Selma Times-Journal

When David Tipmore decided to open a bookstore in Selma, he did so for two reasons.

“First of all, I’ve always loved bookstores,” he said. “Wherever I’ve lived or traveled, the towns always tended to have one great bookstore. Also, in Selma, I think it’s a great addition to the civic life here.”

Tipmore’s bookstore, Broad Street Books at 22 Broad St., opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting Friday.

The store began its regular business hours Saturday. They will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Tipmore is also an author, and his book, “My Little Town,” published by new NewSouth Books in Montgomery, will be available for $25 at the store.

Broad Street Books will feature curated used books, so the quality of the books will be high. Tipmore said he had a collection of about 1,100 for the store’s opening.

“They’re of all genres, the books, from fiction to non-fiction to romance, Southern history, literature, travel, hobbies, biographies, you could keep going,” he said.

Tipmore hails “from various places in the North, from the Midwest to New England.” He lived in Marion for 10 years, serving in the administration of the Marion Military Institute, and has lived in Selma for five.