Around Indies

Nantucket Bookworks Takes Over Operations of Mitchell’s Book Corner

Wendy Morton Hudson of Nantucket Bookworks will assume operations of Nantucket’s Mitchell’s Book Corner, formerly run by the charity ReMain Nantucket.

“My vision is to continue to operate the two as unique but complimentary sister stores open year-round,” said Hudson. “We will have one website, one events program, one POS system that can share information, etc., and one unified approach to buying, but we will be able to offer more to the island’s readers through less duplication and more diversification.”

Hudson will have a dedicated event space at Mitchell’s. Taking stock of industry changes, Hudson considered the decision the right one for her small town. “By channeling our energies rather than competing, we’ll end up with a stronger entity and a unified ‘Buy Local’ message,” she said. “In the short term it will be hectic getting ready for the summer season, but I’m confident that in the long run this will be good for the community.”

Copperfield’s Gets Yarn Stormed

Vicki DeArmon, marketing and events director at Copperfield’s Books, reported that the Petaluma location was recently “yarn stormed.”  DeArmon explained, “This form of artistic expression using yarn is a kind of public art. Copperfield’s Books got hit with it big time [last] weekend when middle school students and community knitters descended on the store.” The pillars, bike racks, benches, entryways, windows, ceiling fans, cars, and more were covered in knitted yarn.

The idea of yarn storming comes from the picture book Extra Yarn, the story of a girl with extra yarn who makes sweaters for all the people in her town, as well as for the animals, the trees, and the buildings. “Imagine our author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klaussen’s surprise when they arrived for their 2:00 p.m. event and found their children’s book had come to life!” said DeArmon. The event drew a crowd of 80, including knitters and kids who were invited to draw sweaters as well.

The Star Ledger Reports on Indie Booksellers’ Multifaceted Approach

The Star Ledger reported that several New Jersey bookstores, including Watchung Booksellers and Mendham Books in Montclair and Mendham, have stayed competitive in a changing bookselling landscape by paying close attention to their customers. Both stores sell Google eBooks® through IndieCommerce and also maintain services only available to bricks-and-mortar stores.

Watchung customers turn to owner Margot Sage-EL for hardcover and paperback recommendations. About customers with e-readers, she told the Star Ledger, “This year we got a wave of early rejectors coming in. They’re tired of reading on a screen. One woman came to me and said, ‘I’ve never read so much since I’ve gotten an e-reader, but I haven’t finished a single book.’”

Mendham builds its business by hosting mainstream events that draw regular crowds, said the Star Ledger, including Shaquille O’Neal, Bartolo “Buddy” Valastro Jr. of “The Cake Boss,” and Teresa Giudice of The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Mendham owner Tom Williams explained, “Business is changing. Yes, you can get [Jets coach] Rex Ryan’s book as an e-book. But if you want to shake hands with Rex, take a picture and get him to sign your copy, those are some of the things that don’t translate to the ethereal world of digital content.”

Atlanta InTown Lists Area Bookstores Adapting

Atlanta InTown listed several Atlanta booksellers that were adapting to industry changes and “digging in and leaping forward.” A Cappella Books, Bound to Be Read Books, Little Shop of Stories, Eagle Eye Bookshop, Charis Books and More, and others were cited. A Capella’s Jack Reiss said, “We’re flexible in how we see ourselves. We’re willing to adapt so we can stay. I realize I might have to go out and get a real job one day. But if enough people have an affection for what books represent, we can still serve a purpose. We’ll do it as long as we can.”

Posman Named Best Bookstore by New York Magazine

New York City’s Posman Books was named Best Bookstore by New York Magazine’s Best of New York issue. “Its three branches — Grand Central, Chelsea Market, and Rockefeller Center — have won over readers from tween Hunger Games obsessives to highbrow jet-setters with their exhaustive selection and well-curated event programming,” said New York. The Chelsea Market store was described as a “nucleus for all things food: cookbooks, chef memoirs, and sumptuously photographed coffee-table books,” and noted for its staff picks, children’s section, and kid-friendly accoutrements.