Around Indies

Bookburgh Opens in Northern New York

Bookburgh Books opened last week.

Bookburgh Books, a general-interest independent bookstore, opened this month at the Champlain Centre Mall in Plattsburgh, New York. The store has created a Facebook page, where it is touting the works of local authors, providing book recommendations, and encouraging children’s reading. A post on the mall’s Facebook page about the new store generated dozens of excited comments from shoppers as well as hundreds of shares. Charles Loscalzo, general manager of Bookburgh Books, said the store has been open a week and is planning a ribbon-cutting at a grand opening event on November 8.

“We have a community space, we have WiFi, we have a seating area. We don’t have a café, but we will have a coffee service. We have an art gallery along one wall that showcases work from local artists,” he said. “We’re strong on gift items and sidelines.”

The mall draws shoppers from a larger regional area in northern New York as well as from Canada. “We’re 20 miles from the border. On weekends, almost half the trade will be Canadians coming down,” he said.

Powell’s Provides Setting for Artist’s Photos, Book

Powell’s City of Books in Portland, Oregon, is the subject of a new exhibition of photographs and an accompanying book by local photographer and writer K.B. Dixon, according to a report in Oregon Artswatch. Dixon got permission from the bookstore to spend time people-watching in order to capture black-and-white images of people browsing, interacting, and even kissing among the bookshelves. The images are on display in the bookstore’s gallery this month. The book, titled The Bookstore, is available online in large format softcover for $35 and in hardcover for $68.90. Dixon is the author of seven novels.

Fabled Bookshop Coming to Waco

Fabled Bookshop and Café will occupy a well-known building.

Fabled Bookshop and Café is slated to open next summer in Waco, Texas, in a 7,500-square-foot space large enough for 20,000 to 30,000 books, a children’s section and event space. Owners Alison Frenzel and Kimberly Batson told the Waco Tribune-Herald that they picked the location for its downtown vibe, foot traffic, and ample parking. “It's official! We have a home! Fabled Bookshop & Café’s location will be at 215 S. 4th Street in downtown Waco, in the beloved Wacotown mural building!” the bookstore wrote in a post on its Facebook page that received 812 likes and 140 shares. The store’s newsletter already has more than 1,000 subscribers. Batson is the owner of two other Waco small businesses: Common Grounds, a coffee shop; and Heritage Creamery, an ice cream shop.

Dog Ears Bookstore Starts Afterschool Program

Dog Ears Bookstore & Literary Arts Center in Buffalo, New York, is starting an afterschool program for students in grades three through seven from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Each day will target a different set of skills, including ELA homework; reading comprehension passages; vocabulary enrichment; test-taking strategies; organizational skill building; study skills; peer tutoring with Bishop Timon High School and Mount Mercy Academy students; and ELA-based games, programs, clubs, and projects with community members and groups. Dog Ears gives its proceeds to programs that promote children’s creativity and literacy throughout Western New York.

Branches Books & Gifts Participates in Fall Festival

Branches Books & Gifts joined in the fall festival.

Branches Books & Gifts in Oakhurst, California, sponsored a “Jedi Academy” at the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Fall Festival on October 13 and the next day hosted a story time booth and Pete the Cat Meet ‘n’ Greet. Branches Books & Gifts’ owner Anne Driscoll said 75 kids and parents showed up to learn the ways of the force. The next day’s events were also a hit, she said. “All three time slots were popular and kids raced to hug Pete, learn his Groovy Dance and get a photo!”

Cellar Door Books Marks Five Years

Cellar Door Books in Riverside, California, is celebrating its fifth anniversary in business with a day-long celebration on Saturday, October 21. At 11:00 a.m., the store will host a birthday-themed story time with activities. At 3:00 p.m., a book club member from one of the store’s 15-plus clubs will win a prize. Anyone who purchases a book at the store before 5:00 p.m. will be entered to win a prize that will be announced at that hour. A ticketed evening event will include a prize for one of the store’s top 50 customers over the past five years.

Buffalo Street Books Raises Funds

Buffalo Street Books in Ithaca, New York, has raised $50,000 in the five days since it asked the community for support, according to an article in The Ithaca Voice. For the moment,  this effort has prevented the bookstore from closing, which was a risk. The cooperatively owned bookstore will continue to solicit community donations as it continues its strategic planning for the future.