Around Indie Bookstores

Harvard Book Store Launches New Green Delivery Service

On Tuesday, February 17, Harvard Book Store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, announced the launch of "a super speedy, environmentally responsible, and inexpensive delivery service." The bookstore is delivering orders in the Boston area using MetroPed emissions-free vehicles, "unique pedal-powered vans" that "help create stronger, more resilient, and self-reliant local communities."

Same- or next-day green delivery is available in the greater Cambridge area for all of the bookstore's in-stock items. Delivery charges are $5 for the first item plus $1 per additional item -- six days a week (Monday through Saturday) -- to Allston, Cambridge, and parts of Somerville. Orders for in-stock items to surrounding areas (including West Somerville, Charlestown, South Boston, Boston, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Brookline, Brighton, and Watertown) will also be delivered via MetroPed for the same rate, with delivery guaranteed in three days, but possibly sooner.

Orders are being taken at harvard.com/greendelivery, via e-mail to [email protected], and by phone at (617) 661-1515.

Harvard Book Store also announced that it was also extending its low shipping fees to all shipments throughout the contiguous U.S.

Changing Hands Welcomes Former President Carter

On Friday, February 13, ABA President Gayle Shanks welcomed former President Jimmy Carter to Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona. Carter was there to sign his new book, We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land: A Plan That Will Work (S&S).

Introducing the former president to the crowd at the bookstore, Shanks thanked Carter for all of his work and for being an "inspiration to our new president." And, she added, "If there's any chance for peace in this world, you are one of the people who are going to help get us there." A video of the Shanks' introduction is now viewable on YouTube.

Reading & Rhythm Launches In-Store Book Fair

The newly expanded Reading & Rhythm in Bad Axe, Michigan, was profiled in the Huron Daily Tribune for starting an in-store book fair that will benefit local schools. The newspaper noted that for the next seven weeks, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, the book store will donate 10 percent of its total sales to a particular school district.

The store's owner, Matt Knarian, credited ABA's Winter Institute for giving him the idea for the book fair. Since his store is small and has limited staff, Knarian opted keep the book fair inside the store and have all sales count toward the 10 percent donation, rather than just certain items. He is hoping that the districts will use the money for their libraries; however, he told the newspaper that he is not telling the districts how to use the money.

"It's a way to increase our business (at the store) and to help local schools in the long run," Knarian told the Daily Tribune, which noted that Reading & Rhythm moved from its original location across from Bad Axe Theater to its new location in May 2008. The store carries a variety of books for all ages and an array of sidelines, including music, puzzles, games, frames, gift items, religious items, Webkinz, stuffed toys, and more. It also features two Internet stations for customer use.

Menomonie's The Bookends Honored

Congratulations to Harriett Christy, owner of The Bookends in Menomonie, Wisconsin, for winning the Menomonie Area Chamber of Commerce's 2008 Small Business Award. Christy received the award at the Chamber banquet on Wednesday, February 4.

The Next Page Bookstore & More Expands

GLIBA Broadside Online reported that Richard Sovine has moved the three- year-old Next Page Bookstore & More to a new, larger storefront in downtown Decatur, Indiana. The new location, which opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 31, is 4,000 square feet and includes a full-service cafe and an espresso bar. Sovine is also renting booth space in the store to local merchants who are selling boutique items such as homemade candy, gourmet spices, quilts, and designer baskets. The bookstore's staff has also increased from four part-timers to 12.

Sovine, who plans to turn the building's upstairs into his home, worked with the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center to develop his business plan, refine the project, and secure an SBA loan to help finance the renovations, build the cafe, and expand his inventory, according to GLIBA Broadside.