Located at 1900 E. Military Ave. in Fremont, Dave’s Drive-In, formerly a liquor store selling alcohol, tobacco and lottery tickets, is transitioning into a book-centered business that raises money for the Keene Memorial Library.

Jeff Rise, the owner of Dave’s Drive-In, purchased the business from his parents in 1995 after graduating from college. In 2018, while volunteering with the Friends of Keene Memorial Library, Rise came up with the idea to sell used books year-round to support the library.

“I thought it would be nice if the used books that were collected for their annual sale could be made available year round for purchase instead of being packed away in a storage unit,” Rise said.

After being unable to find another location in town to display the books, Rise decided to use the south wall of the store. Since then, Dave’s Drive-In has accepted donations of used books and raised funds for the library.

“The community has embraced the book sale with their generous donations of books and money,” Rise said. “Over $85,000.00 has been raised since 2018.”

Following years of community support, Rise decided to focus the business entirely on fundraising for the library. According to a June 15, 2025, Facebook post by the Friends of Keene Memorial Library, Dave’s Drive-In will no longer sell alcohol, tobacco or lottery tickets and will instead operate as a coffee and book shop.

“The renovation to become a coffee shop and bookstore will allow us to keep and display more books, puzzles, games, DVDs and CDs,” Rise said. “We plan to serve coffee, tea and smoothies, along with baked goods. There will be comfortable seating, and we also plan to add a drive-up window for coffee purchases.”

Prices are 50 cents for paperbacks and $1 for hardcover books, puzzles, board games and DVDs.

As part of the transition, the business will be renamed Dave’s Drive-In Coffee & Books. While remodeling is underway, shopping and donation hours are Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.