Around Indies
- By Emily Behnke
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Here’s what’s happening in the world of indie bookstores this week:
Old Town Books is scheduled to open in Alexandria, Virginia, on Small Business Saturday, November 24.
Barbara’s Bookstore will open a new location in Vernon Hills, Chicago.
Powell’s Books is celebrating 30 years at Portland International Airport in Oregon. “Powell’s is proud that for 30 years we have been at PDX, ready and waiting to share the magic of reading with everyone who treads that now famous carpet. We extend our deep gratitude to our airport team for reaching this most wonderful milestone, to the many people who support the work at the airport, and to the many customers we serve — it takes a large team to keep it all running, and each piece is essential,” said Powell’s Books President Emily Powell.
Source Booksellers in Detroit, Michigan, was awarded $10,000 by the NEIdeas Small Business Challenge, a program of the New Economy Initiative.
Village Books in Bellingham, Washington, recently unveiled a revamped third-floor mezzanine that features a new seating and writing area alongside Evolve Chocolate + Café, which opened in August.
Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, New Jersey, has partnered with da Pepo to bring a new café to its space.
Franklin News checked in with Franklin, Tennessee’s Wild Geese Bookshop.
John Cavalier, co-owner of Cavalier House Books in Denham Springs, Louisiana, was profiled by the Greater Baton Rouge Business Report.
The Toadstool Bookshops of New Hampshire are preparing for the sixth annual 
Cider Monday, the brick-and-mortar response to Cyber Monday, both to be held this year on November 26. “Businesses celebrating Cider Monday offer a simple gesture — stop in and enjoy a free cup of delicious, wholesome cider and share a moment or two of reflection and thankfulness for all those who have deliberately chosen to keep some or all of their business local,” wrote owner Willard Williams in a press release. “Locally owned stores everywhere are encouraged to join in.”
On Thursday, November 7, Booksellers Ailish Elzy and Megan Johnson at {pages} a bookstore in Manhattan Beach, California, launched a new book club that will take on engaging reads that promote conversations about diversity, current issues, and feminism. Jill Soloway — creator, writer, director, and executive producer of Transparent — was in attendance to discuss their new book, She Wants It (Crown Archetype).
Stephanie Seales will be joining Bookshop Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, California, as head buyer of the children’s department.
Share your news in Around Indies! E-mail [email protected] with photos and details of what’s new at your store, whether it’s opening for business, moving to a new location, expanding, changing ownership, hosting a special event, or celebrating a milestone anniversary.