Around Indies

McNally Jackson Introduces Espresso Book Machine

Last week, McNally Jackson Books, in New York City was featured on NPR’s Science Friday, for recently introducing an Espresso Book Machine to the store, as a way to compete with some of the chain bookstores. The machine can print affordable, library-quality paperbacks in minutes. With public domain titles as well as titles made available by publishers, it is estimated that the Espresso Book Machine will increase the store’s inventory offerings by more four million potential titles.

A video of the machine in action is posted on the Science Friday website. The bookstore’s website has a plethora of information regarding printing on demand, including a frequently asked questions, a way to search for available titles, and a price list.

McNally Jackson had a launch party on Tuesday to introduce the new machine to their customers.

Four California Indies Talk to San Ramon Patch

The San Ramon Patch talked to four thriving local bookstores about what they are doing to remain competitive.

Judy Wheeler, owner of Towne Center Books in Pleasanton, had just returned from ABA’s Winter Institute, and explained the event’s importance. “Booksellers are a very close community and supportive of each other,” wrote Patch.

Towne Center Books hosts several events per month, including five book clubs, author visits, classes for adults and children, and book launches for Young Adult series, such as Harry Potter and Twilight.

“To get national or internationally known authors, bookstores have to place bids to the publisher,” Wheeler said, “Then we find our authors are charmed by our lovely customers and want to come back.”

Bay Books in San Ramon specializes in new, rare, and used books. Owners Rich and Diane Van Tassell have been running the store for 18 years and rely on giving customers a personal touch.

“People come in for recommendations. They can get reviews online at places like Amazon but they can’t get really good personalized suggestions,” Diane told Patch, adding, “only floss the teeth you want to keep. If you don’t shop at your local mom and pop stores they won’t be around very long.”

Rakestraw Books in Danville is known for booking high-profile authors. “Writers are tremendously important,” owner Michael Barnard’s wife, Julie, told Patch. “Local returning guests bring in readers, fans and their friends. Authors like Michael Chabon are known internationally but they feel like part of our local community.”

Read Booksellers in Danville opened in November 2009 as part of Blackhawk Plaza’s redesign. In December 2010, it was sold to Larry and Patricia Cobabe, the owners of G.R. Dodddlebug, the adjacent toy shop.

Read plans to offer e-books as well as continuing selling gift items, which has been a key part of Read’s business plan from the beginning.

“The original owners felt that the store needed more of a draw than just books to bring in customers,” Cobabe-Tupal said. The new combined store will continue with that.”