Post office opens branch

by Emily Patterson
For The Post  

A ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday at Athens Mall marked the opening of a new community post office in the Athens Book Center.

The post office substation, a small counter in the corner of the book store, will offer the services of a regular post office such as stamps, registered mail and express delivery. But the office will not accept bulk mailings or international packages.

Troubled by overcrowding and limited parking at the post offices at 5 W. Stimson Ave. and in Baker University Center, Athens Postmaster Laddie Henninger approached David Brennan, owner of the Athens Book Center, with the idea to install a new community post office in his store, Henninger said.

“The new post office gives another place for students and residents to put mail or buy stamps,” Henninger said. “People on this side of town won’t have to drive over to Stimpson or Baker.”

Initially Brennan was hesitant to accept Henninger’s proposal because of the paperwork and responsibilities involved. But when approached again, Brennan decided the benefits for the store would outweigh the extra work, he said.

“I am hoping the post office will increase foot traffic in the store,” Brennan said.

For the post office to be installed, Henninger had to receive approval from the head office of the U.S. Postal Service for the Allegheny region located in Philadelphia. Brennan then had to make specific decisions on where in the store it would be placed, what types of services would be offered and when it would open, Henninger said.

The new post office substation was installed in early December, which took about a week. The U.S. Postal Service paid for the construction, but the Athens Book Center employees work at the counter, Brennan said.

Since the substation opened in December, employees of Athens Book Center had to complete instruction by a certified trainer from the postal service. At the store, the trainer taught employees during the course of two days the proper procedures in working the counter.

“It is the same exact training as you would get working behind the window at the main post office,” Brennan said.

Other Athens officials said the new substation is a benefit for residents.

“The new post office is going to be a nice asset to businesses on East State Street,” said Larry Payne, president of the general division of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce.

Payne said he hoped the opening of a post office would make local businesses more efficient.

The chamber organized the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with several other ceremonies each year to celebrate the openings of new businesses in Athens, Payne said.