Looking for a good read?

Patrick and Mandy Kelly can help. The husband and wife have opened Pauper’s Books & More, a Clayton store that sells used books, DVDs, compact discs and audio books. Customers can browse more than 10,000 titles in cooking, fiction, nonfiction, romance, science fiction, mystery and suspense. Also, a section of the store is devoted to books for children.

“We give cash or store credit for used books, so our inventory is constantly changing,” Patrick said. “People have been coming in every day. We don’t necessarily carry new books. We are a used-book store that occasionally gets brand-new stuff.”

The Kellys, who live in Garner, thought the Clayton area needed a bookstore. Plus, they both love to read. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates studied English and journalism. Patrick worked at a used-book store in Raleigh before opening the Clayton store with his wife.

“We are both sort of nerdy people with our noses constantly in books,” Patrick said. “When you open a bookstore, some people think you are old. We are 30 and 31, so to some people, that may be old.”

Pauper’s Books & More is at 11801 U.S. 70 Business West in Clayton Corners shopping center. Hours are 10 a.m. till 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon till 6 p.m. Sundays. For more details, call 550-2777. The Web site, www.paupersbooks.com, is under construction.

Benson flea market

Kathy Lee has opened Korner Flea Market in downtown Benson.

Lee worked in real estate for 15 years but recently became interested in flea markets. Her shop carries a variety of items, including lamps, rugs, furniture, dishes, plants and candles. Lee and 16 vendors visit yard sales, antique shops, auctions and other flea markets to find their wares.

“Every vendor has their own way of finding things,” Lee said. “Everywhere you go, you’ve always got to keep your eyes peeled for something.”

Korner Flea Market is at 301 S. Wall St in the former Banana Box space. It is open from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 till 6 p.m. Sundays. The telephone number is 701-1065. The web site, www.kornerfleamarket.com, is under construction.

Bail bonds

Kip and Debbie Romig have launched a bail-bond business from their Four Oaks home.

Top Dog Bail Bonds serves Johnston and surrounding counties. It offers dependable and confidential services at all hours seven days a week, the Romigs said. Payment plans and free consultations are available.

A former owner of Carolina Martial Arts and a second-degree black belt, Kip has always wanted to work with law enforcement. “One of his friends said, ‘Why don’t you get into bail bonds? It seems like something you would really love to do,’” Debbie said. “And he has. He has loved every minute of the process.”

Top Dog wants its customers to have a positive experience. “After researching the bail-bond industry, we have found that most people have a preconceived, negative stereotype about bail agents,” the company Web site says. “We are confident that our staff will give you a positive feeling and change that perception.”

For more information, call 989-6821 or 628-9221. The Web site is www.topdogbailbonds.com.