Literacy/Reading

World Book Night U.S. has hired two new staff members: Laura Peraza, to manage social media platforms; and Erin Cox, to handle fundraising. Both will also work with Executive Director Carl Lennertz on customer service, web content, and marketing materials. 

Bestselling author James Patterson’s third annual essay contest for college-bound high school seniors has awarded 235 gift certificates ranging from $250 to $1,000 for use at IndieBound-affiliated bookstores.

In her bimonthly letter, ABA President Becky Anderson encourages booksellers to take a look at some new programs and intiatives available to all member stores; however, she notes, deadlines are approaching soon.

As booksellers head to the fall regional trade shows, World Book Night U.S. has been posting video highlights of this past April’s celebration in different regions of the country on YouTube. Added this week is video of celebrations in California, just in time for the Northern and Southern California trade shows this month.

This week a crucial first step opened for indie bookstores wishing to take part in World Book Night U.S.’s second annual celebration of reading, giving, and community. Bookstores are being asked to complete a 2013 Host Store Marketing Agreement.

On the eve of the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance trade show in Naples, Florida, World Book Night U.S. has posted its second regional video on YouTube.

A new Steering Committee has been meeting weekly this summer to set strategies and priorities for the 2013 celebration of World Book Night in the U.S. The Media Strategy sub-committee has also begun setting key publicity goals for year two.

As schools across the country adopt initiatives to better prepare children for the future, booksellers are facing new challenges as well as opportunities to work more closely with teachers and school librarians.

The second annual celebration of World Book Night in the U.S.  is set for Tuesday, April 23, 2013, and plans are in motion on several fronts to match and exceed the successes of the campaign’s first year.

How booksellers can meet the diverse needs of middle grade readers of a wide range of ages and abilities was the subject of a panel discussion at the first-ever Children’s Institute, presented by the ABC Children’s Group at ABA, at BookExpo America.