Better World Books opens Reno distribution center, bringing 150 jobs

The Biggest Little City got a bit more book smart with the opening of a new distribution center.

Better World Books announced the opening of its new 140,000-square-foot distribution center in Reno during the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada’s Investor and Community Luncheon on Thursday at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa.

Founded in 2002, Better World Books is an online store that features more than 8 million new and used books. Despite being a for-profit company, Better World Books uses a unique model where it donates one book for every book it sells. The company has donated 18 million books to date and either reused or recycled 200 million books.

Better World Books says it plans to hire 100 employees by April 1 for its Reno facility. This is in addition to the 50 employees it already hired, bringing the Better World Books' total job count in the area to 150. The benefits of the company's arrival to the area extends beyond just jobs, said Mike Kazmierski, president and CEO of EDAWN.

“Better World Books will not only add jobs to our region but they support education and learning with their contributions to the school system and libraries,” Kazmierski said. “(They also) are committed to social and environmental improvements in their industry.”

The company plans to be involved in the local community, primarily through literacy efforts. Better World Books will be collaborating with the Washoe County School System and the Washoe County Library System, said Christine Putman, director of West Coast operations for the company.

“Our hope is to also develop partnership programs that will translate into funding for education, literacy and libraries in the Greater Reno-Sparks area and beyond,” Putman said.

The Reno center is the company’s third such facility. The new facility expands Better World Books’ distribution network in the Western United States, Putnam said.