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Summerdale Today
By the People, for the People
Veteran-Wife Duo Honors Beloved Bookstore with New Space in Summerdale
Legacy Books aims to continue the legacy of the former JHS Bookstore and serve as a community hub.
Published on Feb. 23, 2026
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Niels Hansen, an Army veteran, and his wife Olivia have taken over the former JHS Bookstore in Foley, Alabama and reopened it as Legacy Books in a new location in Summerdale. The couple is committed to preserving the family's love of books and creating a community space that offers not just used books, but also movies, music, local crafts, and areas for games and performances.
Why it matters
The opening of Legacy Books represents the continuation of a beloved local business and the Hansens' desire to put down roots in the Gulf Coast community after years of military service and constant travel. It also highlights the enduring appeal of independent bookstores as hubs for local culture and connection.
The details
Niels Hansen's uncle John previously owned the JHS Bookstore in Foley for years before deciding to retire. When John asked Niels, who had just retired from the Army, if he would be interested in taking over the store, Niels and his wife Olivia decided to keep the legacy going by renaming it Legacy Books and relocating it to Summerdale. In addition to used books, the new store will sell movies, music, and crafts from local artists, and offer space for community events, board games, card games, and live performances.
- Niels Hansen retired from the Army around three years ago.
- John, Niels' uncle, owned the JHS Bookstore in Foley for years before deciding to retire.
- Niels and Olivia Hansen opened the new Legacy Books location in Summerdale on February 19, 2026.
The players
Niels Hansen
An Army veteran who has taken over the former JHS Bookstore from his uncle and reopened it as Legacy Books in Summerdale.
Olivia Hansen
Niels Hansen's wife, who is helping to run the new Legacy Books store and maintain the family's legacy of books and community.
John
Niels Hansen's uncle, who previously owned the JHS Bookstore in Foley for many years before deciding to retire.
Randy Farris
The mayor of Summerdale, who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Legacy Books store.
What they’re saying
“Part of this was keeping the family dynamic going and keeping the love of books and all of that going for Uncle John and Aunt Diane, but also just being a place where the community can come and hang out and find their books, do their thing and just enjoy my husband's retirement from the Army and our years with constantly traveling.”
— Olivia Hansen, Co-owner of Legacy Books (gulfcoastnewstoday.com)
What’s next
The Hansens plan to continue expanding the offerings at Legacy Books, including potentially selling new books in addition to the used books, movies, music, and local crafts. They also intend to host regular community events such as blood drives and an annual adoption event.
The takeaway
The opening of Legacy Books in Summerdale represents the continuation of a beloved local business and the Hansens' commitment to creating a community hub that celebrates the love of reading and the Gulf Coast's local culture. In an era of chain bookstores, Legacy Books stands as an example of how independent, mission-driven businesses can thrive by embracing their community's values.
