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The Elf Shelf Books & Music brings collectors from around the world to Springfield | Community Voices

The Elf Shelf Books & Music is located at 413 E. Adams St. in Springfield, Ill.
Photo courtesy of John Michael Combs
The Elf Shelf Books & Music is located at 413 E. Adams St. in Springfield, Ill.

John Michael Combs is the owner of The Elf Shelf Books & Music. He spoke to Community Voices about his love of collecting books and records and how he took over ownership of the business. He also shared how the Adams Family, a collection of businesses on Adams Street in downtown Springfield, Ill., are working together to entice people to downtown.

Vanessa was the Community Voices Production Coordinator at NPR Illinois from 2021-2025. She continues her passion for broadcasting as a co-host of the Beyond the Mouse podcast for the Front Row Network.
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