Around Indies

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Here’s what’s happening in the world of indie bookstores this week:

A new Books & Books branch location has opened in Miami, Florida’s Coconut Grove neighborhood and will soon feature a small wine and beer bar on its first floor.

Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, North Carolina, will open a branch store in nearby Wendell by the Fourth of July. The new location will share a building with a wine and beer store, so the general-interest inventory will feature drinks-related titles.

Hudson Group, which operates more than 1,000 stores in transportation hubs, hotels, and tourist destinations, will open a 5,000-square-foot store called ATL Shops by Hudson at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The store will feature the Ink by Hudson brand, a contemporary bookstore.

Narrow Gauge Book Cooperative, which is planning to open later this summer in Alamosa, Colorado, is seeking donations of quality books to fill its shelves with.

Mitchell's Book CornerLongtime employees Gretchen Treu and Jes Lukes will become owner-managers of A Room of One’s Own in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 1, taking over for current owners Nancy Geary and Sandi Torkildson. Fantasy author Patrick Rothfuss is becoming a silent partner and part owner.

Mitchell’s Book Corner on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, is celebrating 50 years in business, kicking off on June 28 with author signings, giveaways, refreshments, and more. “Through 50 years, independent bookselling on the island has seen the rise and decline of chain and big-box bookstores, the rise and flattening of e-books, and the rise and rise of Amazon, yet still here we are. This is due to the efforts of many people over the years who have one powerful thing in common: an abiding love for the special place bookstores have in our community,” said owner Wendy Hudson.

Neighborhood Reads in Washington, Missouri, is celebrating one year in business this weekend. Special events will be held June 14–16, including author signings, a visit by Maisy the Mouse, face painting, refreshments, book giveaways, and a sidewalk sale.

Byrd’s Books in Bethel, Connecticut, is moving down the street come August and will reopen in its new home on September 1. To prepare, the store is inviting customers and community members to help with packing, disassembling shelves, painting, moving, and reshelving.

The Bookery in Manchester, New Hampshire, was named one of the Best of NH 2018 Shops & Services by New Hampshire Magazine for its selection, atmosphere, and homemade donuts.

Washingtonian magazine looked at an innovative business venture by D.C. bookstore Politics & Prose: working with local institutions for corporate events programs.

High Country Press profiled Boone, North Carolina, bookstore Foggy Pine Books, which “does it all,” including book clubs, story times, author events, and a book trade-in program.

The Greenfield Recorder highlighted Montague, Massachusetts’ Bookmill (whose motto is “Books you don’t need in a place you can’t find”) for its ambiance created by thousands of dusty books, couches and chairs to lounge on, and a roaring waterfall outside. “It’s a beautiful spot on the river, an old building full of books,” said owner Susan Shilliday. “It’s my idea of heaven.”

Park City Television offered a peek inside Salt Lake City bookstore The King’s English.

When exploring Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, the Chicago Sun Times recommends visiting Seminary Co-op.


Share your news in Around Indies! E-mail [email protected] with photos and details of what’s new at your store, whether it’s opening for business, moving to a new location, expanding, changing ownership, hosting a special event, or celebrating a milestone anniversary.