Two cockatiels in bird cages twitter to themselves and greet visitors at the front entrance where Briar can often be found stationed at a trestle table.
"I've always loved reading and that is what started it all. I'd say I would have millions of books."
In fact she has had to curb buying anymore after purchasing about 8000 books a month.
"I've had to put a bit of a halt on buying as I have so much in storage and the shop is pretty much packed to capacity."
Briar worked in retail for 20 years before venturing out on her own, but her affinity with books stretches back much further. She started amassing books three decades ago and hasn't looked back since.
"I used to do the markets at the weekend and ran my own market for a while and then set up the book exchange on Domain Rd originally."
At the moment she has two part time volunteers who helped out.
"But I kind of have to be here the whole time so I can decide on pricing and see if anything needs to go into storage."
The secret to her success was affordable pricing and the book exchange concept, she says.
" I'm not making a lot of money here but I'm happy and it's good being your own boss."
The most expensive book costs $5 and if you returned it you got $1 off your next book, she says.
"I have got my regulars, all walks of life, from kids to old people and collectors, which is awesome. I even get a lot of people from around New Zealand, although I get a bit stressed sometimes with lack of space. But other than that it's all good."
"Most of my customers are by word of mouth."
Lee Child and Nora Roberts were her most popular authors and Briar suggests people come in with an author list.
The store also stocked DVDs, CDs and jigsaws, which come a close second to the books, she says.
Nowadays however Briar did not get much time to read her books.
"To be honest it's a bit like working in a lolly shop. You are over it.
"Sometimes the last thing I really want to do is read . I'd rather sit and look at TV and blob out."
"If I find a really good book I will but it has to really hold my concentration as I am that busy planning the next day of what I'm going to do."
Open hours
* 10am to 3.30pm Tuesday to Sunday
* 2 C Ashley Place
* Papamoa
