Check, please.
You know when you’re at a restaurant and your server brings the tab in one of those fake-leather-check-holder things? That’s what these are… minus the fake-leather. If you have a restaurant in your bookstore, using old books for this idea is perfect.
When it comes to choosing books for this project, the older the better. Folks will write and draw in them. They might even read them! It’s also probably wise to look for smaller, thinner books. Table space can be at a premium, especially if dishes remain. Look for older books at garage sales, estate sales, yard sales, tag sales… whatever you call them in your part of the world. They are often prime spots to find these little gems.
You really do not need to alter the books before using them, although it might be fun to add a library card pocket to hold credit cards.
With very little time, effort or money, you can earn some major charm and character points.