Don Yerly has been a movie guy his entire life.

But now the long-time islander is expanding his expertise to include books.

Yerly bought the Orcas Book Exchange from Doug and Ida Rae Mcdonald several weeks ago. He moved all the inventory to a new location, next to the Village Stop, and debuted the store on March 6.

“With a really good crew and enough coffee, you can accomplish anything,” he said.

Since his opening day, response has been nothing but positive.

“People seem to be really happy there is a used bookstore in a good location,” Yerly said. “People have dropped off books, gaming systems … it’s actually been very touching.”

Yerly worked at Sea View Video Center for five years, but when it closed down this past January, he thought the timing was perfect for a new venture.

He has everything from general fiction to science fiction and horror to westerns and romance. He is even selling graphic novels and video games.

“I’m a serious, hardcore, devoted nerd,” he said.

The shop is also offering movie rentals. He has VHS, DVDs, and Blu-Ray, with more selections on the way.

Yerly moved here 21 years ago, when he was 14. He says he’s worked “all over” the island, including the Deer Harbor Inn and Camp Orkila. He credits Sea View Theatre and Video Center owners John Mount and Ingrid McClinton with teaching him how to be an upstanding business owner.

“I learned a lot from John and Ingrid,” he said. “They are both extremely honest and hardworking. I understand the emotional and intellectual commitment when you decide to open a business.”

Yerly says his girlfriend, Bridget Wright, was instrumental with the move.

“Everyone always says this, but she really has been my rock,” he said.

Yerly holds a movie night once a week with his family, which includes his mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins. His father, brothers, and sister all live in Alaska.

At the moment, Yerly’s favorite film is “Dark City.” In the realm of books, he’s partial to the “The Postman” by David Brin.

Yerly is optimistic about his new business, as Orcas is an island that loves to read.

“My goal is to provide enough money to keep my family healthy and comfortable, and to make sure that everyone on the island has a good book to read and a good movie to watch,” he said.

Dropping off books

In exchange for store credit, Yerly is accepting books to sell in the store.