by Keith Simpson

Created on: January 10, 2010   Last Updated: January 12, 2010

If you want to buy or sell a book, DVD, CD, record or magazine in the downtown Davenport area the Source Book Store is the place to go. Small bookstores are becoming increasingly rare with changes in the publishing industry and the internet. But the Source book store has been around since 1939 although not always in the same location.

It was started by a son of greek immigrant parents, who never learned to speak English. George Pekios had to quit school in the ninth grade to work in a foundry to help support the family. He started buying books because he wanted to learn and became self educated. He amassed so many books that his wife started selling them out of his living room. He finally quit his job and started selling books full time out of a storefront in East Moline.

"He named it the Source bookstore because he said books were the source of all knowledge," Dan Pekios, current owner and grandson of George Pekios said. "That was interesting because it was an odd name."

The Source bookstore moved to Davenport in the 1940's and moved a couple other times before moving to its current location on 232 West Third Street in the 1960's by then Pekios' father owned the business. Dan Pekios has worked at the bookstore off and on since he was 12 and did some carpentry work on the side.

Like all businesses the Source has it's regular clientel. Pekios said he learns the most from his customers. "They are experts in their field and know what books they are looking for," Pekios said. "I learn what books to buy from them. I never even went to college."

The large selection of books in the small shop include books on Chiropractic, Local History, Fiction, Mysteries, Biography, Poetry, Literature, Natural Science, Sports, Religion, War, Cookbooks, Movies and a host of other subjects.

In addition to books there are thousands of record albums, CDs, DVDs and VHS tapes. 

tapes, which seeem to be going by the way side like record albums sell for $3.00 each and

they have over 2,600 of them.

The source also sells adult magazines like Playboy and Penthouse, which can be a collecter's

item to certain people.

In addition to Pekios there is one part time employee. Her name is Cheryl Raley-Kirk.

The downtown location is essential to the Source's business. Not only because of the potential

of walkin traffic but the low rent keeps overhead expenses low.

"This is not a high profit store and we don't deal in rare books, but with our rent being what it

is we are able to stay alive." Pekios said.

There is also a trade in policy on paperbacks. If you bring a paperback in on trade you can

exchange it for another paperback at a reduced price.

Although the library is not far away because of it's volume it can only carry certain books to check out.

At the Source one might find just the book they are looking for and there is a certain satifaction

to owning a book. There is no deadline or possible library fines and you can stock up to suit your

reading habits.

The business hours of the Source Book Store are M-F 9:30 to 5:30 and Saturday 9:30 to 5:00.

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