Around Indies

Unbound Books to Open in Missouri

Author Alex George plans to open Unbound Books in Columbia, Missouri, in mid-August, reported the Columbia Missourian.

The 3,000-square-foot bookstore will offer a variety of books, including a focus on diverse authors, as well as author readings, book signings, book clubs, and more.

George, the author of Setting Free the Kites (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2017) and A Good American (Putnam Adult, 2012), is the founder of the local Unbound Book Festival, which he sees as a counterpart to the bookstore. He also told the newspaper that he hopes to work with nearby bookstore Yellow Dog Bookshop, co-owned by Joe Chevalier and Kelsey Hammond, which offers new and used books. “My view is that we will complement each other,” George said. “It will be nice to think that Ninth Street will become a destination for book buyers, and certainly if we don’t have a book in stock then my first suggestion will be to send them next door to see if Joe has it.”

Island Books Marks 25 Years

Middletown, Rhode Island’s Island Books is celebrating 25 years in business this month. Owner Judy Crosby wrote on the store’s website that the most important elements to the store’s success over the past 25 years boil down to the loyal customers, the devoted booksellers, and the books.

To that end, Island Books is highlighting staff favorites from each year since the store opened, with a total of 100 titles in a special display that are being offered at 25 percent off for the month. Crosby also noted the many contributions made over the years by “the best booksellers around,” and extended many thanks to the store’s customers. “I am extremely grateful for your loyalty and your business — they reinforce my belief that an independent bookstore is an important part of any community,” she wrote.

Between March 17 and March 25, Island Books is offering additional discounts as well as daily raffles, refreshments, and giveaways.

Dog Ear Books, Gottwals Books Recognized

Main Street Arkansas recently honored Russellville, Arkansas’ Dog Ear Books with the Best Downtown Retail Award during the Arkansas Municipal League’s 2018 Winter Conference, reported the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Every other year, Main Street Arkansas, a preservation-based economic development program, honors the outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, and communities striving to revitalize downtown areas.

“We were amazed and honored when we heard our name announced,” said Dog Ear co-owner Pat Young. “It is so exciting for us. We never dreamed our little venture would be recognized. We are very honored by the award.”

Gottwals Books, a family-owned bookstore chain headquartered in Georgia, was recognized as part of Gov. Nathan Deal’s Small Business Week, reported 11Alive News. The store was named one of four Small Business Rockstars.

“This is cool. It’s a big thing, it’s even bigger than we feel it is,” said owner Shane Gottwals, who opened his first store in 2007. As part of Gottwals Books’ Walls of Books franchise program, there are currently 18 locations, with two more to open this year.

One More Page Hosts NoVa Teen Book Festival

In Arlington, Virginia, One More Page Books hosted the fifth annual NoVa Teen Book Festival on Saturday, March 10, which attracted almost 1,000 attendees. Forty authors participated in the daylong event, which featured author panels, breakout sessions, and games.

“It was a day of fun and discussion,” said One More Page owner Eileen McGervey. “We often hear that kids today don’t read; the teens (and adults) we see are passionate, involved, and thoughtful.”

Authors appearing at the event, as photographed by Rosalinda Dauval, included Anna-Marie McLemore and Eric Smith; Dhonielle Clayton and Tomi Adeyemi; and Kwame Alexander and Mary Rand Hess, among others.

The festival is hosted in partnership with Arlington Public Library, Fairfax County Public Library, George Mason University’s Fall for the Book, Arlington County Public Schools, Loudoun County Public Library, and other area public library and school systems.