|
|
|
June 22nd, 2008
01:42 am - Independent Booksellers: More Than A Business
I'm in California , soaking up the extreme heat (112 degrees one day), enjoying numerous bookstore events, and appreciative of the power of faithful readers and independent booksellers. One book vendor sold out of Priscilla and the Hollyhocks (50 copies) thanks to some wonderful word-of-mouth advertising with Priscilla fans encouraging others to buy the book. At the Frugal Frigate children's bookstore in Redlands, it was a pleasure to meet the owner, Jana Hundman, and three knowledgeable young women on the bookstore staff. Jana told me how she carefully selects the books for her store (which is creatively decorated and has lots of fun nooks and crannies). One of the young women spoke of how she encourages readers toward appropriate choices and gave me a quick review of a book that recently captivated her. These bookstore workers are dedicated to literacy, because their own lives have been informed by the many books they've read. Their intelligence and dedication shine out in enthusiasm.
With Jana Hundman,owner of The Frugal Frigate Children's Books
On Sunday I got to meet Maureen Palacios, owner of Once Upon A Time Books in Montrose, CA. As in Redlands, I was struck by Maureen's genuine love and enthusiasm for as well as knowledge of her work. Jana, Maureen and other independent bookseller owners provide a comfortable, beautiful space in which readers can peruse thoughtfully-chosen stock, receive personalized recommendations on what to buy/read, and do everything in their power to encourage literacy in young readers and their parents. The booksellers I meet are businesslike, but their motivation runs deeper than turning a profit. They inspire, encourage, and as in Miss Rumphius, "Do something to make the world more beautiful."
Once Upon A Time's excellent advertising:
 
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
LiveJournal.com |
![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
annebroyles's journal