Around Indie Bookstores

Flyleaf Books Set to Open

A new indie, owned by Jamie Fiocco, Land Arnold, and Sarah Carr, all former employees of McIntyre's Fine Books, is set for a soft opening in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Monday, November 16, according to Independent Weekly. Flyleaf Books will feature new and used books for children and adults and a full schedule of author readings, open mic nights, and book club meetings in a 5,200-square-foot space. Independent Weekly noted that the store's location in the Midtown Market shopping center would draw customers from other well-established, neighboring businesses.

Fiocco will serve as the store's general manager, Carr as children's manager, and Arnold as storefront manager.

Asked about opening a bookstore in a tough economic climate, Carr told the newspaper that the trio "had positive feedback just from the number of people who walk by as the construction workers are doing their thing and ask about the store and get excited about our opening." Fiocco added, "We have two publishers here, Algonquin Books and UNC Press ... I just think this is a literary community.... It deserves an independent bookstore, and regardless of the economy, people understand and appreciate literature." And Arnold stressed that Flyleaf intends take advantage of technology "to meet the needs of customers who shop online also."

Andover Bookstore Turns 200

Andover Bookstore, the second oldest bookstore in the country, according to the Andover Townsman is celebrating its 200th birthday this month. "There's just something very magical about this place...it's one of those precious things," store manager Karen Harris told the Townsman. "We're the oldest continuous business in town with very loyal customers." Andover Bookstore is owned by Robert Hugo, who also owns Spirit of '76 Bookstore in Marblehead and The Book Rack in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Hugo bought Andover Bookstore in 1992.

The bookstore is inviting customers to partake of some birthday cake on Thursday night, November 12, and to come be part of a more historical celebration on Thursday, November 19. Andover Bookstore, which is the bookstore for Phillips Academy, dates back to 1809. It's current location on Main Street, which used to be part of a grand home, features a first-floor fireplace and comfy chairs.

The Townsman noted that the business may be old, but it stays current and meets the needs of the surrounding literary community by hosting author events for both children and adults and providing out-of-print search services. Among those appearing at the store over the years have been Tommie DaPaola, Henry Winkler, Brian Jacques, Mary McGarry Morris, Tracy Kidder, and Andres Dubois III.

For trivia buffs, the Townsman noted that the oldest bookstore in the country is Moravian Book Shop in Bethlehem, Pennslyvania, which was founded in 1745.

Anderson's Bookshop Celebrates 45th Anniversary

On Sunday, Anderson's Bookshops celebrated 45 years in Naperville, Illinois, and 29 years in Downers Grove, with a two-day sale at both stores. The Naperville store was "packed," according to a report in the Naperville Sun, and "the line at the cash registers stretched from the front of the store past the help desk about two-thirds of the way to the back.... Most people had a fist full of not just books, but the other things the store carries, such as children's toys and cards."

ABA Vice President Becky Anderson is part of the fifth generation of Andersons at the helm of the family business that started as a pharmacy, which also sold books. Today the business encompasses Anderson's Bookshops; the 134-year-old Oswald's pharmacy; and W.W. Wickel, a children's book wholesaler, which handles school bookfairs and educational events. Anderson, who co-owns the business with her three brothers, was recently awarded the Voice of the Heartland Award from the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association for her active leadership in industry groups, including her roles as ABA vice president and past president of the Association of Booksellers for Children.

North Carolina Bookstores Merge

The two largest bookstores in Waynesville, North Carolina -- Blue Ridge Books & News and Osondu Booksellers -- have merged effective immediately, according to the Mountaineer. The stores, both on Main Street, will maintain their separate locations and names for now, Robert Baggett, president of Blue Ridge Books and head of the new group, told the newspaper. Margaret Osondu, owner of Osondu Booksellers, will be operations director for both locations.

The Mountaineer noted that "combining two competing bookstores into a single super store will provide a stronger base from which to tackle the challenges" facing the book industry today. "We have some exciting long-term plans to serve the community better," Baggett, told the paper. And, Osondu added, "After a lot of thought on both ends and much discussion, we think it will really be the best for the community to have one really great book store instead of two competing bookstores. We'll be able to do more with events. With their stock [and} with my community orientation, we can provide more literary events and offer the community a really great bookstore."

Their ultimate goal, according to the newspaper, is to have one bookstore, but when and where that will happen is still to be determined. For now, the administrative office for the new group will be at Blue Ridge Books.