Around Indies

Politics and Prose Opening at The Wharf

Washington, D.C.’s Politics and Prose is opening its new store at The Wharf on Thursday, October 12. The Wharf, a mile-long waterfront development in southwest D.C., is a mix of stores, restaurants, apartments, hotels, offices, and entertainment venues.

Politics and Prose’s new store will be 2,300 square feet and carry a wide assortment of books and other items. The original store at 5015 Connecticut Avenue NW has 9,000 square feet of bookselling space, plus offices and a coffeehouse called The Den.

Owners Bradley Graham and Lissa Muscatine are planning a series of events similar to those at the Connecticut Avenue store, with the fall lineup set to include MSNBC host Chris Matthews, London-based writer and editor Malu Halasa, national security affairs specialist Mark Perry, and cat behaviorist Jackson Galaxy.

Politics and Prose has created new Instagram and Twitter profiles for The Wharf location.

Lake Worth’s Book Cellar Opens After Irma

The Book Cellar Lake Worth celebrated its grand opening on October 6, two weeks after originally planned due to Hurricane Irma.

The Book Cellar Lake Worth celebrates its grand opening.

Co-owner Tamara Ayraud said that although the storm didn’t damage the store, the effect on the surrounding city was extreme. “We had to evacuate and then get back. Then the city was closed for a week,” she told Bookselling This Week.

Ayraud said many Lake Worth residents and government officials turned out for the grand opening party. “We had a local bakery cater some snacks for us. We had wine and drinks available. We had a violinist here. We cut the ribbon, and there were tons and tons of people here,” she said. “We’re super excited.”

The bookstore sells classic titles, modern literature, and children’s books as well as books on Florida history and written by local authors. There is also a Spanish-language section. Ayraud plans to set up a café serving coffee, sandwiches, beer, and wine within the store next year.

Argos Brewhouse & Bookseller Hosts Grand Opening

Argos Brewhouse & Bookseller in Sweetwater, Texas, hosted a grand opening celebration on October 7 that featured live music and a presentation by writer Steve DeWolf, whose first novel, Dead Stick, will be published by Stephen F. Austin State University Press on January 1, 2018.

Argos is owned by Sweetwater residents Rod Wetsel, Jeff Allen, and Jared Houze. Wetsel and Allen are partners in a real estate firm. Houze is vicar of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. The trio wanted to create a space that would be like a “public house,” or pub of old.

Horizon Books Marks 25 Years

Horizon Books’ Cadillac, Michigan, location is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a week of themed readings by local authors capped by a special discount day. Horizon Books’ first location, in Traverse City, Michigan, opened in 1961.

Horizon Books in Cadillac, Michigan.

As part of the anniversary celebration, on October 10, local authors and community leaders took part in a “Children’s Day” event with a story time, scavenger hunt, and pumpkin decorating, among other activities.

On October 11, the theme is “Outdoor Michigan” with readings by authors who celebrate the geography of the state and its wildlife. October 12 will feature a poetry contest for customers and readings by local authors, and “Authors Galore!” is the theme for October 13 and 14, with every genre represented.

Also on October 14, customers will receive 25 percent off their entire purchase and be treated to cider and doughnuts when they stop by.