Around Indies

New Owners Take Over The Book Nook & Java Shop

The Muskegon Chronicle recently profiled The Book Nook & Java Shop in Montague, Michigan, and new owners Bryan Uecker and Mark Murr. The pair bought the store, which opened in 2002, from its founder, Debra Lambers, last month.

Lambers will stay on as manager during the transition. The Book Nook & Java Shop was the area's first "full-service" bookstore, said the Chronicle. "When I got here, it was like a ghost town. There was no retail, no coffee shop, no bookstore," Lambers told the paper. "Now there are five new businesses."

Longs' Cards and Books and Maria's Bookshop to Celebrate Big Anniversaries

Longs' Cards and Books on Main Street in Penn Yan, New York, is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Saturday, October 3. The NAIBA Newsletter reports that owners Jim and Gloria Long and staff will host an outdoor, daylong party with local authors, food, wine, and activities.

And, in Durango, Colorado, owners Andrea Avantaggio and Peter Schertz are making big plans for the 25th anniversary of Maria's Bookshop in mid-October. Watch for more in an upcoming edition of BTW.

Aaron's Bookstore to Host "Kid Lit" Festival

Aaron's Books in Lititz, Pennsylvania, is hosting its first "Kid Lit Festival" from November 13 - 15. Authors and illustrators of books for children from pre-K through teenagers will gather throughout the weekend in Lititz to read and sign their works, as well as discuss the essential ingredients of writing for a young audience.

"It is so exciting to have this opportunity to bring so many authors and illustrators to Lancaster County," said store co-owner Todd Dickinson in a statement. "Kids from toddler age to teens will get a chance to meet people who write for them. We want this to become an annual gathering of kids, parents, authors, teachers, and anyone else who loves books."

Kids and teens who want to learn how to write, and adults who want to write for kids, can sign up for workshops that speak to their interests. An evening with local authors, a Book Brunch where fans can visit with authors over a meal, and a pizza party for teens and teen authors to mix and mingle fill out the weekend's activities. For more info, visit www.aaronsbooksonline.com.