PROCTORVILLE — It’s bringing a good idea closer to home. That is the motivation for the paperback exchange opening up today at the Southern Ohio Books and More store in Proctorville.

Owner Betty Sasser is often a customer at an exchange in Barboursville, W.Va., and wanted to bring the idea to the village.

Patrons of the exchange can take out as many books as they choose and keep them for as long as they want. When they are finished, they can return them for new selections.

“The big advantage is there is no time element,” Sasser said.

There is also no charge for taking the paperbacks out.

However, first time users are asked to help increase the choice of titles and number of books at the exchange.

“We prefer if you have gently used paperbacks books you would donate them,” Sasser said.

Right now the store, whose regular inventory includes leisure reading books, Ohio University textbooks, and clothing for Fairland, Symmes Valley and Chesapeake, has two shelves dedicated to the paperback exchange. There patrons can find books on religion, romance and other titles.

“As people use them, we will get a better variety,” she said. “On the first visit we would like them to donate some in order to get a better selection.”

Also regular patrons may donate paperbacks they no longer want in their collection at any time.

“We just ask for gently used paperbacks,” the owner said.

The bookstore is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 503 State St.