Halifax Student Launches Online Bookstore to Fund Education

Hannah Crossley, a 21-year-old student at Dalhousie University, has turned her passion for books into a successful online bookstore to help cover her tuition and living expenses. Just a few months ago, Crossley faced the daunting challenge of rising rent and tuition fees, feeling overwhelmed by her financial situation. “I was struggling to find a job. I applied to a lot of different places, and I got refused,” she recalls. “I was starting to think I wasn’t going to graduate.”

From Struggle to Success

In August 2023, Crossley initiated her venture by selling books from her personal collection on Facebook. “I began selling books on my personal Facebook for a little bit…then I thought, why not create a dedicated Facebook page?” she explains. By September, demand surged as friends and community members began placing orders. “Immediately people were like, ‘We’ll buy books. What do you have?’”

Crossley quickly found that her venture not only helped her pay her tuition but also allowed her to manage other university-related expenses. “I made quite a lot of money and was able to pay my tuition and then also pay for my books,” she states. This success prompted her to brand her business as The Book Attic, run entirely online from her apartment in Halifax.

Community Support Fuels Growth

Since launching her bookstore, Crossley has sold between 200 to 300 books, handling all aspects of the business from pickups to deliveries. She initially relied on her own collection of 500 books, but as word spread, community members began donating additional titles. “I like to make things affordable because it’s really unaffordable,” she says, noting that her prices range from $1 to $15, depending on the condition of the books.

The local response has been overwhelmingly supportive. Authors from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have reached out, expressing interest in collaboration. “I was very shocked to be in Halifax and immediately have people being so supportive,” she shares. This encouragement has motivated Crossley to consider expanding her operations.

With a growing inventory of nearly 4,000 books and positive community feedback, Crossley is contemplating the possibility of opening a physical storefront. “Right now, I work out of my apartment, everything is online. I’ve been considering looking at commercial properties to rent out,” she explains. Her ambition is clear: “I think the plan will be to pursue my career and then wiggle my way into owning a bookstore as well.”

This enterprising spirit exemplifies the resilience of students facing financial challenges, demonstrating that creativity and community support can pave the way for success. Crossley’s journey from a worried student to a budding entrepreneur serves as an inspiring example of how determination and resourcefulness can lead to innovative solutions in the face of adversity.