Have you seen this sweet green van around Arlington? The Wandering Shelf is a mobile bookstore run by Arlington resident and enthusiast Tessa Cannon.

The concept came to Cannon when she was seeking something more fulfilling that also played into her love for Arlington and literature.

“I really wanted to dive deeper into the community in Arlington,” Cannon said. “I personally wanted to have a positive impact, and I know that in my adult years, books really helped transform my perspective on a lot of different things, and I think made me the person I am today.”

You might be wondering why she chose a van instead of a brick-and-mortar store. For one, she already owned the van and had even lived in it for a time. More importantly, though, a mobile shop allowed her to reach people across the area rather than be tied to a single location.

“I thought, well, I have this van, and I have the means to renovate it,” Cannon explained. “So let's see what we can do and bring books and hopefully inspire some positive change.”

The inside of The Wandering Shelf van. — Take a seat and grab a book. | Photo via The Wandering Shelf

When you visit The Wandering Shelf, you'll find a carefully curated selection of books, ranging from classics to the latest releases. All used books are just $7, and $1 from every purchase is donated to a different charity each month.

The van also offers a selection of books for both adults and children, along with a comfortable couch where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the space.

“I want people to feel like they can escape when they're in the van to another world for a little bit or feel inspired to go do something new,” Cannon said.

You can also find books from The Wandering Shelf at Simona Cafe if you’re looking to grab a book and don’t have time to check out the van.

Make sure to follow their Instagram page for updates on location and events. Plus, looking to part with some old books? Donate them to The Wandering Shelf and enjoy a discount on your next purchase. Learn how.