Around Indies

Phoenix Books to Open Third Location

Phoenix Books, which has locations in Essex Junction and Burlington, Vermont, is looking to open a third store in downtown Rutland. Co-owner Michael DeSanto told the Addison Eagle that he anticipates an early summer opening, though a firm location and funding are still in the works.

DeSanto and his wife and partner, Renee Reiner, were recruited by Green Mountain Power and the Downtown Rutland Partnership to open a shop in the town, in particular because of the store’s unusual business model.

As a “community supported enterprise,” Phoenix Books is inviting friends and supporters to pre-buy books or to help fund startup costs for the new store. Green Mountain Power has already rallied 50 area businesses and residents who have each pledged to pre-buy $1,000 worth of books from the store.

“We have been astounded by the initial reaction from the community, and have fallen in love with the downtown,” DeSanto said. “From the architecture to the outpouring of support, we have been astonished at what we’ve seen in Rutland — including a level of collaboration and commitment to the community that’s unrivaled in our experience. We can’t wait to be a part of that.”

BookPeople of Moscow to Take Readers to Italy

BookPeople of Moscow, Idaho, is launching the BookPeople Abroad program, which will take avid readers on an adventurous, book-themed trip each year, with the first round of travelers heading overseas to Tuscany, Italy.

This July at the Spannocchia Foundation, a working farm and estate that BookPeople co-owner Carol Spurling has been a member of since 2006, 13 travelers will enjoy cooking classes, writing workshops, and book groups while residing in a historic villa.

The cost of the trip includes most meals, lodging, classes, and travel expenses for excursions, but does not include airfare. Registration is due by March 1, and early bird discounts and prizes will be awarded for the first participants to sign up. Interested travelers can e-mail [email protected] or visit www.bookpeopleabroad.weebly.com to learn more.

Idaho Booksellers Offer Favorite Picks on Local TV

Idaho booksellers Bruce Delaney of Rediscovered Books in Boise and BookPeople of Moscow’s newest staff member, events coordinator and co-manager Jamaica Ritcher, will be on Idaho Public Television’s Dialogue for a segment on “Good Winter Reading.” The pre-recorded broadcast will air on Friday, January 23, and will re-air on Sunday, January 25.

The two booskellers will appear alongside Diane Rice, a librarian and program coordinator at the Ada Community Library. The three will offer their top recommendations for books and discuss the ever-changing role of independent bookstores and libraries.

Old Firehouse Books Wins Signing With Neil Gaiman

Fort Collins, Colorado’s Old Firehouse Books announced today that it has won the only available February signing with author Neil Gaiman for his new book, Trigger Warning: Short Fictions and Disturbances (William Morrow). Gaiman will appear at Old Firehouse Books on Friday, February 6, at 4:00 p.m.

Gaiman announced the contest last fall and said it was open only to U.S. independent booksellers. The prize, an appearance by Gaiman, was awarded to the bookstore selling the most copies of The Ocean at the End of the Lane (William Morrow) leading up to the holidays.

La Casa Azul Bookstore Awarded $150,000 Mission Main Street Grant

La Casa Azul Bookstore in New York City is one of 20 recipients of Chase’s Mission Main Street Grants for 2014, Chase announced on Wednesday. The bookstore is known for its focus on Latino books, education, programming, and celebrations and for its role as a community hub. It will receive $150,000 to help it continue in its mission, as well as a trip to Google’s headquarters in California for an exclusive marketing workshop.

“At the heart of La Casa Azul Bookstore is the diverse literature and cultural programming that makes the bookstore such a unique place in New York City,” said owner Aurora Anaya-Cerda. “Mission Main Street Grants provides us with the opportunity to expand on the programs and book selection we offer students, families, writers, and readers.”

More than 25,000 submissions were received for the 2014 Mission Main Street Grants, and 1.6 million online votes were cast. Businesses receiving more than 250 votes were evaluated for growth potential, management, community impact, and plans for the grant funds.

Ken White to Leave Books Inc.

Ken White, the manager of San Francisco’s Books Inc. in the Castro, is leaving the company. “I love my job. It’s a pleasure to work for a company like Books Inc. with so many talented colleagues. But after some long conversations with my partner, we’ve decided to make it a priority to travel over 2015, and for me to pursue a micro-publishing idea that I’ve been considering for the past year,” White said.

White was a member of ABA’s board for six years and spent five years as the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association’s board director. Earlier this month, he was appointed to serve on the Book Industry Charitable Foundation’s board of directors.

Tanya Landsberger, manager of Books Inc. in Palo Alto, will move to Books Inc. in the Castro. Nadine Orzechowski has been promoted to manager of the Palo Alto location.