The Wells County Chamber of Commerce and its Ambassadors recently celebrated the opening of Old Ways Books & Curio with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in downtown Bluffton. Located at 110 S Johnson Street. This charming bookstore brings together books, houseplants, and vintage home decor, filling a unique niche in the community with its cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Owner Jennifer Kirnec shared her inspiration for creating Old Ways Books, "The atmosphere I wanted to create was that of a used bookstore—a cozy vibe that you don’t find in many places. I paid attention to every detail, from the colors on the walls to the plants and vintage touches, to make it feel like a home environment. I want people to come in, relax, and feel comfortable just sitting and reading a book."
The idea for Old Ways Books originated when Jennifer and her husband were scouting locations for his business. After noticing the space’s large windows, Jennifer saw an opportunity to bring something special to Bluffton. Following extensive renovations to modernize the building while preserving its charm, the bookstore was born.
Old Ways Books & Curio offers a curated selection of new and used books, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s literature, and Christian titles. Additionally, the shop features vintage home decor, houseplants, and locally crafted book-themed artwork. Jennifer has also implemented a loyalty program for book enthusiasts, "You get one point for every used book and two points for every new book. Once you reach nine points, you can redeem them for discounts like 25% off a book or a plant, depending on your point total."
Jennifer is already planning exciting additions to the store’s offerings. She hopes to host a children’s reading hour on Saturdays and expand the online book club, which has its first Facebook discussion next week, with in-person gatherings.
Jennifer and her family, including her husband and five children, moved to Bluffton four years ago to be closer to family. Passionate about creating a space where community members can connect and unwind, she has succeeded in bringing her vision to life.
For the holiday season, Old Ways Books & Curio is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Saturdays, 10 AM to 2 PM.
Visit Old Ways Books at 110 S Johnson Street, Bluffton, IN, for a unique shopping experience filled with books, plants, and vintage treasures. For more information, contact 260-820-2885 or email oldwaysbooks@gmail.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram at @Old Ways Books & Curio for updates and upcoming events.
Pictured below in the ribbon-cutting photo left to right are:
Erin Prible, Wells County Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Ben Renkenberger, United Way of Wells County, Chamber Ambassador
Kira Lee, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, Chamber Ambassador
Katie Brindle, Metropolitan Title
Angie Comment, Metropolitan Title
Topher Kirnec
Jennifer Kirnec, Owner, Old Ways Book & Curio
Erica Lehman, Lehman Appraisals LLC, Chamber Ambassador
Robert Vanover, Premier Clock and Vacuum Service LLC
Kevin Sills, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Chamber Ambassador
Angie Topp, Stockton Mortgage, Chamber Board of Directors
Sarah MacNeill, Wells County Public Library, Chamber Board of Directors
Trent Bucher, Honegger, Ringger & Co., Chamber Board of Directors
Julie Thompson, Bluffton Regional, Chamber Board of Directors
Rachel Reinhard, Wells County Chamber
Nathan Stauffer, Parlor City Cabinetry