Around Indies

IndieBound Takes to the Streets of Naperville

Naperville, Illinois' IndieBound community displayed its unity during Naperville's Last Fling Labor Day parade this past weekend, and among the marchers was ABA Vice President Becky Anderson, the co-owner of Anderson’s Bookshops. Anderson is a driving force in the Naperville group that launched in 2008 with just a handful of local business owners. Two years later, the group has grown to include more than 100 local businesses.

Anderson was also recently featured in Patch, a community-specific source for local news. In the article, Anderson discusses the pros and cons of e-books and why she believes they will not replace their physical counterparts. She also talked about the family business, and why she is optimistic about Anderson’s future as it enters in its 46th year of business.

The King's English Celebrates With a Big Bash

On Friday, The King's English Bookshop, in Salt Lake City, Utah, is celebrating its 33rd anniversary. The store specializes in fine fiction, mysteries, and children's books. General Manager Anne Holman credits the store’s gradual growth for its success.

“When we opened our doors 33 years ago, we had three rooms and $12,000 of inventory,” said Holman. “Over the years we've grown organically, room by room (we now have eight, along with a hallway also stocked with books), expanding our inventory and our staff as we added shelf space.”

The bookstore also has had a central role in founding and sustaining Local First Utah – an organization that now has over 3,000 members and provides a voice for independent business statewide.

On September 10, the store is throwing a “birthday bash” between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and during that time is offering a 33 percent discount on everything in the store.

“It's a big discount, but 33 years is a feat worth celebrating,” said Holman.

Flavorwire Names 10 Best Bookstores in Country

In response to recent discussions regarding technology's influence on the book industry, Flavorwire, a source for cultural news and critiques, paid tribute to bookstores by listing the country's ten best independents.

Among them were Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon, which was praised for its multiple locations and independent online marketplace. Tattered Cover in Denver, Colorado made the list for being a popular stop on most author's book tour, while Prairie Lights in Iowa City, Iowa, was acknowledged for its well-stocked shelves. The Elliot Bay Book Company in Seattle, Washington, was singled out for its warehouse-like aesthetic.