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Page & Palette’s Karin Wilson Elected Mayor

Karin Wilson, co-owner of Page & Palette bookstore in Fairhope, Alabama, was named the city’s mayor-elect in Tuesday’s election, earning 53.4 percent of the vote and defeating four-term incumbent Mayor Tim Kant, reported Alabama.com.

“I am blown away, honestly,” said Wilson. “I didn’t know what to expect. I was cautiously optimistic.”

Fairhope is one of the fastest growing cities in Alabama, with its population growing by more than 21 percent between 2010 and 2015. In Wilson’s grassroots campaign, she was critical of the city’s handling of the rapid growth; she also addressed Kant’s role as both mayor and superintendent of utilities, duties she plans to separate.

“It started with me and took hundreds of people talking to their neighbors and getting out and talking about why this was so important and why in the next four years, we have something in place so we don’t turn into any other city,” said Wilson.

Dog Ear Books Coming to Arkansas

Mother-and-daughter team Pat and Emily Young are planning to open Dog Ear Books in Russellville, Arkansas, later this year, reported the Courier News.

The duo envisions the store as a means to connect readers with books and book-related items, including new and used titles for adults and kids, magazines, tote bags, greeting cards, apparel, and more. “An interactive bookstore is the vision,” Pat Young told the Courier News.

The bookstore will offer community members a preview in a temporary storefront during the town’s September 2 downtown art walk. The owners are eager to hear feedback from customers about what titles and items the store should carry. “We want them to be proud of it, like it’s theirs,” Emily Young said.

The permanent shop, which will feature poetry readings, book signings, and other book-themed events, will open on West Main Street this fall.

Bridgeside Books Owner to Open Bridgeside Home

Bridgeside Books owner Hiata DeFeo is planning to open Bridgeside Home, a home store featuring vintage decorations, art, and crafts, on South Main Street in Waterbury, Vermont, reported the Waterbury Record. “I’m excited. It’s a block from Stowe Street, but it’s a whole different part of town,” DeFeo said.

DeFeo opened Bridgeside Books on Stowe Street in Waterbury seven years ago, and has been seeking an opportunity to open a home goods store. The two stores will be linked, said DeFeo, but each will have its own identity.

Bridgeside Home will be located next door to floral design shop Proud Flower and will carry some books with decorating and DIY themes. The store will open in late August or early September.

Half Price Books Branch Arrives in Decatur

Half Price Books is set to open a branch location in Decatur, Georgia’s Suburban Plaza on Thursday, August 25, reported the Decatur-Avondale Estates Patch. This is Half Price Books’ second location in Georgia, after opening a store in Marietta in May.

The 7,000-square-foot store features new and used books, DVDs, records, cassettes, video games, magazines, and comics. On opening day, the first 100 customers will receive a tote bag and a $5 gift card.

Half Price Books, a family-owned regional chain, is based in Texas and has 128 stores in 17 states.