Around Indies

Phoenix Books & Cafe to Open Second Location

Renée Reiner and Michael DeSanto, the owners of Phoenix Books and Cafe in the Essex Junction, Vermont, have announced their plans to open a second location within the next five months in downtown Burlington, Vermont. They are currently negotiating a lease for a nearly 6,000-square-foot space, according to Seven Days.

Reiner and DeSanto said they are contemplating a business model that is “philosophically” similar to that of Claire’s, a local community-sponsored restaurant. “We believe that the future can be profitable for a unique, local and independent frontlist bookstore in downtown Burlington,” Reiner and DeSanto said in a statement. “We’re inviting people who are interested in making this project come about to get in touch with us.”

Anderson’s Looks Forward to Small Business Saturday

ABA President Becky Anderson, the co-owner of Anderson’s Bookshops in Naperville, Illinois, and a driving force behind IndieBound Naperville, talked to the Chicago Tribune’s Trib Local Naperville about the store’s participation in the November 26^th celebration of Small Business Saturday.

“Small Business Saturday, sponsored by American Express, is a great way to bring people into the doors of small independent businesses in Naperville and all over the country,” Anderson told the Trib.  And she encouraged readers to visit the store to find great books, gifts, and toys as well as exceptional service and a unique experience.

Though small businesses are among the hardest hit by the lagging economy, the Trib noted that spreading the word about Small Business Saturday would create awareness about the key role they play in cities and towns across the nation. Learn more.

St. Louis Indies Hold Book Drive for Homeless

STLToday covered the St. Louis Independent Bookstore Alliance‘s book drive for the homeless. Participating indie booksellers will wrap and deliver books bought at their stores to a local homeless shelter. Jarek Steele of Left Bank Books told the paper, “Books are inexpensive, portable, sharable, durable food for the mind and soul. They don’t provide food or shelter, but they do provide a little happiness.”

Participating bookstores include  All On the Same Page Bookstore, The Book House, Dunaway Books, Left Bank Books, Pudd’nhead Books, Rebounds, Rose’s Bookhouse, Subterranean Books, and Sue’s News.

Here’s a Book Store Named Best of New York

Here’s a Book Store in Brooklyn was picked the “Best of New York” by the Daily News, which noted that the indie stocks 500,000 books, has been in existence 35 years, and owners Sylvia and Doron Levy will deliver books to drivers in their cars outside the store.

“The best part of Here’s a Book Store isn’t the books, but the family that sells them,” the Daily News said. “With 80 years of experience in the neighborhood, the Levys know just what Brooklyn wants to read.”

Other New York indies recognized by the newspaper were Housing Works Bookstore and Boulevard Books and Café.

Outwrite Looks for New Location

Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse has announced that it is looking for a new location. Owner Philip Rafshoon said in a letter to friends and customers that Outwrite has “been challenged by changes in the book industry and the downturn in the economy” and that the store’s current lease is no longer affordable.

“The good news,” said Rafshoon, “is that we’re looking for a new location that will allow Outwrite to continue serving you as Atlanta’s LGBT bookstore.”

Parnassus Opening Draws Media Spotlight

The New York Times is just one of the national media outlets covering the opening of Parnassus Books in Nashville, Tennessee. This week, the Times talked to author and new bookstore co-owner Ann Patchett just days before the store’s November 18 scheduled grand opening.

NPR also featured an interview with Patchett on Wednesday.