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The story of The Library Store™, as we know it today, began with Don and Marilyn Gunter and their family. A man with a vision, Don was an engineer and entrepreneur with extensive experience in manufacturing library products. He had a desire to develop unique products that were more cost effective for schools and libraries. Don felt that making top quality products was a starting point, but offering his customers “a bit more than expected” would be the key to his business’ success. From the beginning, his customers received a few “extras” with their order; a small thank you gift, a 100% quality guarantee and a friendly smile.
In 1970, Don drafted the blueprints and hand-built many of the parts of a machine that would make a better quality book pocket. This product became the cornerstone of a new company, TreCon Manufacturing, later renamed TreKon, Inc™. With input from prospective customers, the product was tweaked and improved upon. The new book pocket featured perfectly straight corners with a reinforced front panel that would last longer. The process was streamlined to increase output so he was able to deliver a top quality product in less time for less money. With the help of his children and wife, Marilyn, this part-time endeavor grew quickly into a thriving business. Soon trainloads of 200 lb. rolls of paper stock were unloaded by this hardworking family in the small town of Tremont, Illinois. Everyone in the family participated. The Gunter children, Steve, Greg and Cindy learned to catch the pockets and stuff them into boxes after school.
In 1977, Don felt that the new trend would be in pressure-sensitive products and added another machine that could apply the glue and paper-backing. By 1979, TreKon added printing presses for labels, catalog cards and other printed products. Within a few years, the company added machinery that would make label protectors, rolls of book laminate, book jacket covers, spine labels and book repair products. As technology has changed the landscape of what librarians and teachers need, other proprietary lines of products were manufactured and sourced from all over the world.
In 1983, this small manufacturing company joined forces with a catalog and mail order distribution company. The Library Store, Inc. was moved to Tremont, IL. Since 1983, the knowledgeable staff at The Library Store has diligently delivered high quality supplies and furnishings to libraries and schools nationwide and always with a friendly voice. As the business grew, so did the catalog. In 2009, the TLS catalog grew to over 608 pages and 30,000 products. Today, TreKon manufactures proprietary library products for The Library Store and many other distributors. The facilities of TreKon and The Library Store now occupy over 100,000 square feet of offices, warehouse and manufacturing space.
While Don and Marilyn have chosen to retire, the new owners, Steve and Greg Gunter continue to follow the same philosophy that began over 40 years ago…offer top quality products at the best possible price, and always give customers a bit more than they expect…especially a friendly voice.
We look forward to personally serving you whether you need product information, resolution to a problem or help with a bid or quote. For easy ordering, please contact our friendly staff at 800.548.7204, Monday through Friday between 7:00am-5:30pm CST or fax your order to 800.320.7706. And our website is always "open". For your convenience, orders for "In-Stock" products received by Noon, CST, ship the same day! Thank you for the privilege of working with you.
www.thelibrarystore.com
Email: customerservice@thelibrarystore.com
Phone:1-800-548-7204
Fax: 1-800-320-7706