Around Indies

Eagle Harbor Book Company Embraces E-Readers

On Thursday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m., the staff at Eagle Harbor Book Company in Bainbridge Island, Washington, plans to embrace new ways of reading by hosting an educational event for customers. It will be “a fun evening to introduce our customers to e-readers, [explain] how to make sense of the many choices available, and understand where they fit in our world,” the store announced in a press release.

Eagle Harbor staff will discuss the different ways to use e-readers and access books. Additionally, the store plans to give away “e-prizes” and a "how-to" list to help customers make smart decisions about e-readers.

Oneonta Bookstore Recognized for Innovation

The Green Toad Bookstore, in Oneonta, New York, is being recognized by the Otsera County Chamber at the area's 11th annual Small Business Banquet on October 14.

The bookstore has been selected to receive the Otsego County Chamber/Excellus BlueCross BlueShield fifth annual Breakthrough Award, for its “innovation in the marketplace,” Rob Robinson, the president and CEO of the chamber, told the Daily Star. Oneonta's community and economy depend on small businesses and entrepreneurship, he added.

Green Toad owner Michelle Pondolfino said she was “very happy and extremely honored” to receive the award, though she acknowledged that she merely put her own spin on many ideas used by indie stores across the country.

The Green Toad Bookstore opened in 2008 and hosts author signings, book group meetings, poetry readings, storytelling for children and other events. The store has an "inviting ambiance" that has helped it become "a community center, not just a business," Pondolfino said in a release.

New Bookstore Gives “Books 4 Food”

Throughout the month of October, Once Sold Tales, a newly opened bookstore in Kent, Washington, is holding “an unusual Food Drive” to benefit Washington State's food aid distributor, Northwest Harvest. Through its “Books 4 Food” program, the store, which sells new and used books, is matching non-perishable food donations with free books of the donor’s choice from its entire Bookstore Outlet’s stock.

The bookstore has committed to giving away up to $60,000 worth of books to encourage donations for Northwest Harvest, with the hope that the challenge will inspire local readers towards radical giving.

Once Sold Tales owner Carrie Jenott told Kono News, “I’d love to see that much food come in for Northwest Harvest. Families are depending on food donations this winter, and the need has increased.”