About Bookstores

From May 21 - 26, several New York City bookstores are hosting in-store events, and they’re hoping booksellers in town for BEA will stop by.

Maple Street Book Shop plans expansion; The River’s End turns 13; Powell’s and City Lights inspire

For the past 25 years, Studio City’s Portrait of a Bookstore has cared about its customers and really listened to them. “We carry what they love and, in turn, they support us devotedly,” said General Manager Aida Chaldranyan.

The Women’s National Book Association has announced the winners of the 2011 WNBA Pannell Awards, which honor bookstores that excel in contributing to their communities in ways that bring books and young people together.

Old Harbor Books is 250^th seller of Google eBooks™; Anderson’s Book Shop turns 65; DIESEL, A Bookstore may have new Malibu home

For the past five years, Kona Stories has been meeting the needs of locals and tourists in Kailuna-Kona, Hawaii. With the recent closing of the local Borders, owners Brenda Eng and Joy Vogelgesang are ramping up efforts to reinforce customers’ sense of involvement and “ownership” of the store as well as plans to make it a “must visit.”

Lacy Simons, the manager of Rock City Books & Coffee, turned to social media to raise enough funds to buy the bookstore. The outpouring of support from family, friends, and indie bookstore lovers allowed her to secure a loan and finalize plans for her store, which she plans to rename Hello Hello.

Last week, Diesel, A Bookstore invited customers to its Oakland location for a community dialogue about the worth, and the future, of independent bookstores. Support among the 45 people who attended the event “was strong and heartfelt,” said Diesel co-owner John Evans.

Green Apple video demonstrates how to buy e-books; Orca Books is a “whale of a bookstore”; Booklovers’ Gourmet showcased in One New England

Several of the college-bound winners of James Patterson’s Books Dollars for Scholars and the indie booksellers who will be redeeming their prizes share their happy experiences.

Joseph-Beth auction approved, Van Uum closes deal for Memphis Davis-Kidd; American Express OPEN to give five small businesses  a “Big Break”; Lambda Literary Awards to honor Albee and McDermid

The Open Door Bookstore, in downtown Schenectady, New York, has served the region for 40 years. Owner Janet Hutchison shares her plans to celebrate the store’s anniversary.

From helping occasionally with offsite events to weekly shelving and organizing, many customers are more than willing to give their local indies some free love. Here Jessica Stockton Bagnulo of Greenlight Bookstore, Susan Weis-Bohlen of breathe books, and Sara Look of Charis Books talk about running active volunteer programs.

The Book Cellar in Brattleboro, Vermont, which was destroyed by a catastrophic fire on April 17, is closed indefinitely, but store staff is busy moving scheduled events to Bartleby’s, owner Lisa Sullivan’s second store.

Boulder Bookstore to charge for author events; Aaron’s Books receives literacy award; Eagle Harbor lobbies with limerick