Around Indies

Philip Rafshoon of Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse Honored

Philip Rafshoon, owner of Outwrite Bookstore and Coffeehouse, in Atlanta Georgia, has been named winner of the Alumni Legacy Award for 2011 by Georgia Tech’s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts. He is being recognized by the prize committee for his leadership in opening a first-class bookstore to serve the gay and lesbian community in Atlanta. The landmark store now attracts visitors from all over the country.

Rafshoon will be presented the award, a beautiful glass sculpture, at Georgia Tech’s Founder’s Day awards ceremony and luncheon on March 15.

Edmonds Bookshop Rocks 'n' Reads

From Friday to Sunday, Edmonds-Woodway and Meadowdale high school students will take part in the Edmonds Bookshop’s Rock ‘n’ Read Marathon in downtown Edmonds, Washington. The bookstore, which is owned by Mary Kay Sneeringer, is hosting the event in celebration of the National Education Association’s Read Across America Month, which helps promote the love of reading and also celebrates Dr. Seuss, the pen name of the late Theodor Geisel.

Participating students have been signing up to read books, magazines, and e-books for 30-minute intervals in the store window.

“Our student readers, those who know the joy of being immersed in a great novel, were the first to sign up for this 55-hour marathon,” Meadowdale librarian Rita Ireland told Edmonds Patch.

Local shops Walnut Street Coffee and Red Twig bakery and café are providing refreshments for the event. Other local businesses are giving donations for the street banner titled “For the Love of Reading.” Visitors are encouraged to bring any children’s books as a donation to the food bank at a local church.

One More Page Books Opens in Arlington

On January 19, Eileen McGervey opened One More Page Books in Arlington, Virginia.

“I have been amazed at people’s response to it,” McGervey told the Falls Church News Press. “It’s kind of humbling because it’s my dream, but people have been so generous and so helpful.”

McGervey, who previously worked in marketing and consulting for high-tech companies, told the newspaper that she had always wanted to own a combination bookstore-wine bar. Now, by offering a careful selection of wine and gourmet foods, and hosting tasting events in the store, she hopes to keep customers coming back for more.

But, she said, “There’s nothing that makes me happier than when people say ‘I can’t believe you have this book.’”