Around Indies

Books Inc. to Relocate Fourth Street Store in 2015

Books Inc. will be relocating its store on Fourth Street in Berkeley, California, to the former location of Black Oak Books in the “Gourmet Ghetto” neighborhood of North Berkeley, Berkeleyside reported. Black Oak Books, which operated for more than 20 years at the space on Shattuck Street, moved to a new location in 2009. Books Inc. will move in sometime in early 2015 and will hold a five-year lease at the storefront.

Noting that the Fourth Street location had difficulties with attracting customers as a neighborhood store, Books Inc. owner Michael Tucker said that the new store will be in a pedestrian-heavy neighborhood nearby many homes and apartments. “We always thought this neighborhood was perfect for what we do,” he said.

Between the Covers Owner Honored as Entrepreneur of the Year

Katie Capaldi, owner of Between the Covers in Harbor Springs, Michigan, was named the 2014 Emmet County Entrepreneur of the Year by the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. Capaldi received the award at the annual Harbor Heroes community awards dinner on October 14.

“Congratulations, Katie, on being the Entrepreneur of the Year. Your rewriting the book on local, personal and intentional customer service is great to witness,” the Chamber said. “Plus, your dedication to our community, sharing your passion for the written word, and more is greatly appreciated!”

Capaldi took ownership of Between the Covers in April of 2013, as Jeanne Regentin, who had owned the store for 10 years, was looking to retire.

Brazos, AFA Inspire Music Through Essay Contest

Brazos Bookstore in Houston, Texas, is joining with the American Festival for the Arts (AFA) to launch an essay contest that will serve to inspire a new musical work, reported the Atascocita Observer. The collaborative project is in celebration of the AFA’s 20th anniversary. Ben Fountain, author of Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (Ecco), will serve as judge.

Brazos is accepting entries through December 15, 2014; the winner will be announced January 1, 2015. All genres of short work will be accepted in the theme of “Sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not” from Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

Award-winning composer Hugh Lobel will use the winning essay as inspiration for a new musical composition, to be premiered at the AFA Collaborations Concerts in May and July 2015. At the performances, the essay’s writer will be invited to read their work.

Quail Ridge Video Features Highlights of 30th Anniversary Celebration

Raleigh, North Carolina’s Quail Ridge Books & Music celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 5 with a special tribute to store founder Nancy Olson, who opened the store in 1984 and last year sold it to Lisa Poole. Video of the celebration and tribute to Olson can be seen below.

Several authors attended the event, including Jill McCorkle, Clyde Edgarton, and Charles Frazier, and shared their favorite stories about Olson. ABA CEO Oren Teicher also joined the tribute and presented the store with an “Eat. Sleep. Read. Local.” IndieBound banner.