#IndieBookstore

[sistahscifi]

If you are on our email list, you know that last Monday @sistahscifi and @oaklandiacafexbakery were featured in KQED!!! Today, the story will air nationally on @npr 's @hereandnowradio Both Sistah Scifi and Oaklandia or proud Oaklandia Black Business Fund Grant @blackbusinessfund recipients. Reposted @kqed Book vending machines are a growing trend across the country — and at @oaklandiacafexbakery in downtown Oakland, you can now find one curating Afrofuturist books. “There's stuff for children, young readers, young adults and adults,” says Isis Asare, who created and runs the online bookstore @SistahScifi. “Primarily the focus is Black speculative fiction and Indigenous speculative fiction, written mostly by women.” Head to the link in our bio for more. ✍️: Ariana Proehl @arianakss 📸: Kori Suzuki @korisuzukiphoto Quotes: @angeladalton_author author of TO BOLDLY GO LD Lewis (@ellethevillain) of @fiyahlitmag @IsisAsare CEO of Sistah Scifi #SistahScifi #OaklandBlackBusiness #IndieBookstore #BlackOwnedBookStore #Afrofuturism (at Oaklandia Cafe) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpdARRTrEAn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lanieland]

Went to Stories in Echo Park this past weekend, and I love how cozy it is there. Perfect part bookstore part coffee shop with tons of paperback options.

[mercerislandbooks]

50 Years of Island Books: Roger Page, Part 1

Roger Page says even though his wife Nancy’s successful wedding floral business was more profitable than Island Books in the early days, they committed to Island Books because the scheduling and lifestyle were a better fit for having a family. Nancy Page would tell you that her final and most enjoyable career was the 15 years she spent working at Island Books. These days both Pages are enjoying their retirement, still reading plenty of books and traveling to visit those not-so-small children, Emma and Lewis, who were the deciding factor in ownership of Island Books all those years ago. 

Miriam: Roger, tell me what it was like during the first month you owned Island Books. Did you have a moment that made you realize what you could bring to the community?

Roger: Remembering the first month of owning Island Books is hard. It's a bit like the frog in the boiling water story. You sit in the pot for a long time enjoying the warmth, and suddenly, you realize you're the one being cooked. In 1984 I called every bookstore in Seattle looking for a "Christmas season" job, and Island Books was the only one that called back. I did realize in the first month that I was very lucky to have landed in a much-loved bookstore on an affluent island. I was the only male and only full-time employee among 19 well-educated part-time women. Everyone was recognized, everyone was appreciative, and everyone really read. The bookstore felt big, full of surprises, and full of energy.

I decided to stay on and went to something called Bookseller School the next spring. Full of "new ideas," I returned, and thanks everlasting to the generous and kind three women (Marge Wilkens, Fam Bayless, and Elinor MacDonald) that ran the store, they made space for me and entertained my ideas. I didn't deserve a seat at the table, but I think it was easier to deal with me than all their friends that worked with them. After a year, I was titled "floor manager," I focused on streamlining the systems, culling the aging inventory, and rebuilding sagging shelves. The customers were great, but not friends yet and there was much to be simplified, for the store had suffered a bit from too many cooks. I was single and willing to heft, nail, or come in early or late. 

After six years, I really felt I had found my calling, and I was married to Nancy, the wedding florist, who came to work at the store later down the road in 2000. As we began to think about a family, I approached the ladies about buying in, and they again took a generous and gracious turn and said they would back me if I wanted to take the reins alone. So with a Volkswagen bus as collateral, we had a lovely afternoon drinking fine Washington wine and signing the papers at the Bayless home. What changed in the first few months of owning the store was that the community began to recognize me.

I had a role and a responsibility to maintain the standards of hospitality and good books. Honestly, supported by the ladies, I felt confident and excited and loved making real friends of all ages and stripes. I (and eventually Nancy) had fallen into the arms of a big warm family, and I loved coming to work and unlocking the door each morning.

Miriam: Tell me about when the unmentionable online and big box retailers came on the scene. What were the in-store clues that wisdom and humanity could endure up against the algorithms? 

Roger: My time at Island Books from the late eighties to 2015 parallels the most dramatic period of change in the history of the book retail industry. In some ways, we were the canary in the coal mine for a set of revolutions in the information industry and general retail. When I started, we were in the mom-and-pop store era of bookstores. This model led to great diversity, strong community ties, and low competition between stores. People (especially people on Mercer Island) had their store, and the store was catering to that community as much as making a profit.

Everything began to shift in the late eighties. First, it was a trickle of Walden and B. Dalton chain stores in Seattle. I wrote a now prescient memo—you can look at our old blog post about that infamous memo here— 

https://mercerislandbooks.tumblr.com/post/62015474728/island-books-in-1986 

about the specter of the discount chain of Waldenbooks and the need to strengthen our service and ties to the community. Then the first direct blow to business came in 1993 when Barnes and Noble opened a big box store in Bellevue. We had always prided ourselves on our children's section, and overnight there was a store twice our size 10 minutes away. Then Costco became more popular and, as a sign of things to come, they used books as a loss leader and broad-based customer attractor. Finally, Microsoft and personal computers made their mark on homes in the early 90s. The bookstore as a storehouse of knowledge for adults and kids faded fast when they could look it up "on their computer."

Honestly, my reaction to these existential changes was largely terror. I was starting a young family, the store was our sole means of support, and it seemed like a new battle to fight every year. We reacted by working hard to speed up our special-order business ("We don't have that title but can get it for you Wednesday!") and to emphasize our free shipping and the expertise of the booksellers. The community appreciated our efforts, and despite plenty of dips and valleys, we continued to grow slowly despite the competition.  In the late 90s, Amazon arrived and presented a different magnitude of the challenge. For the first time between the growth of the web and Amazon's "free" home delivery, many customers never saw the need to visit our store.

If we never saw them, our knowledge and service would be useless. So, we turned our focus toward marketing and events doing all we could to draw them in. This led to huge Harry Potter parties and hundreds of tiny evening gatherings of self-published Island authors. We also began to emphasize our school fundraisers to connect and show our commitment to the community.

Throughout these roughly twenty-five years of change and increased competition, almost three-quarters of the independent bookstores in the country closed. The Mom-and-Pop store model was defunct. We learned about lean inventories, just-in-time ordering, niche marketing, shopping as entertainment, and the value of "third places" in the community. Our deep ties to the community ultimately helped us weather the storm.  

One moment stands out. At some point in 2005, Amazon tried out a new idea on Mercer Island to use school communities to raise funds for the school. We had been doing this for a decade and had raised several hundreds of thousands for local schools. One day a big "Buy from Amazon " banner appeared outside a local school. We felt like jilted lovers: angry, scared, and sad. This was very close to home, and we knew if Amazon lured away families, we would not survive. I said as much to some long-standing customers, and their response exceeded all expectations. The school's foundation sided with the store, and the banner disappeared. The unspoken loyalty of the community was voiced out loud, and it was a turning point for the store.

It became clear that our fate was tied to the choices they made. From that point on, it felt that there was a deeper appreciation for the bookstore and, in turn, for our community. We were joined at the hip. Through the spring of 2009 with the Great Recession, the Kindle was the darkest hour for independent bookstores. We bounced back quickly and had some of our best years (2010-2015) at the end of our tenure as owners.

Miriam: That was right around when I came on the scene after I’d defected from the Amazon Books team and moved to the island from Capitol Hill. I remember we had lunch across the street from the store, and you gave me a lot of this oral history over Thai food. As I listened, I was thinking, how can I use all the knowledge I gained at Amazon to help Island Books thrive? And thrive it did and continues to endure. It’s like the little engine that could.

To our Island Books community: stay tuned for part 2 in this conversation, coming soon. Once Roger and I get going on the subject of Island Books, it’s hard to stop us...

—Miriam

[bonnettsbooks]

We love the Indie vibe of our home, Dayton's historic Oregon District. This area has spent decades working hard to build up a unique Local partnership vibe, and people notice! No common, boring international corporate brands stain this street. Let's keep our facet of the Gem City shining bright!

6/16/23 Open 6-9p. No open containers.

[ledelano]

It's a great day for a trip to Baldwin's Book Barn in West Chester, PA. This place has four floors of rare and used books in every genre you can name. And that wonderful old book smell wraps around you the second you step through the door!

BALDWIN'S WEBSITE

[karmacanary]

Just one more reminder that I'll be signing books with my friends (and cats) at Cupboard Maker Books in Enola, PA on Saturday from 4-5:45PM. If you're in the area, stop by and pick up a new steamy read!

#booksigning #bookstoreromanceweekend #indiebookstore

[famcarecenter]

online books available in cheap prices

[musingsofmonica]

April 2024 Indie Next List

April 2024 #1 Great Read is “James” by Percival Everett

[harmonyhealinghub]

Keeping the Literary Love Alive: Support The Penny University Bookstore Today! Shaina Tranquilino April 4, 2024

Dear Supporters,

In the enchanting world of literature, where stories transport us to new realms and characters become cherished companions, there exists a haven—a sanctuary for bibliophiles known as The Penny University Bookstore. This beloved independent bookstore has been a beacon of literary delight, a community cornerstone where bookworms of all ages congregate to explore, discover, and indulge in the magic of reading.

However, behind the shelves laden with stories and the cozy nooks inviting readers to lose themselves in the pages of a book lies a tale of struggle—one that we, as a vibrant bookish community, cannot overlook. The Penny University, like many small businesses, has faced its share of challenges, and the recent economic downturn has cast a shadow upon its future.

They are reaching out to you, their cherished supporters, in a time of need. The past winter has been particularly harsh, with financial pressures mounting and resources dwindling. Despite their resilience and determination, they find themselves at a crossroads, where the future of their beloved bookstore hangs in the balance.

They have weathered storms before, buoyed by the unwavering support of the local community. Your patronage, your enthusiasm, and your love for literature have sustained them through thick and thin. Now, they humbly ask for your help once more.

At the forefront of the current challenges is the urgent need to afford the annual subscription to their 'Bookmanager' software—an indispensable tool that empowers them to efficiently curate their collection and cater to the diverse tastes of their readers. Additionally, the burden of accumulating bills weighs heavily upon them, stretching their already limited resources to the brink.

But amidst these trials, there shines a glimmer of hope—a beacon of solidarity and generosity that illuminates the path forward. By contributing to their GoFundMe campaign, you're not just assisting them in meeting their financial obligations; you're investing in the very essence of our bookish community. You're preserving a cultural treasure, a haven where imaginations soar, and where the transformative power of literature knows no bounds.

Every donation, no matter how modest, carries the potential to make a profound impact. Together, we can overcome this challenge, fortifying the foundation upon which our bookstore stands and ensuring that it remains a cherished fixture in our community's tapestry for generations to come.

As they navigate these uncertain waters, they extend their deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who has lent them your support, your encouragement, and your belief in the enduring power of storytelling. Together, let us keep the literary love alive and illuminate the path ahead with the radiance of our shared passion for books.

Thank you, from the bottom of our book-filled hearts, for standing with them in their time of need. Here is the GoFundMe Link for The Penny University: https://gofund.me/3dddbc2d

[oat2023]

Data Structures for the Girlies'

Introduction:

"Hello, tech enthusiasts! Are you ready to elevate your programming skills and dive into the world of data structures? 'Data Structures for the Girlies' is here to transform your learning experience!"

Why This Book?

Tailored for Beginners: Perfect for those starting their journey in computer science.

Women in Tech Focus: Empowering content that resonates with women in the field.

Real-World Examples: Understand complex concepts through relatable scenarios.

Key Features:

Interactive Learning: Engaging exercises and quizzes.

Community Support: Access to an exclusive online community for doubt clearing and networking.

Expert Insights: Tips and tricks from successful women in tech.

Benefits: Boost Confidence: Gain a strong foundation in data structures.

Career Advancement: Essential knowledge for tech interviews and internships.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a global community of like-minded learners.

Testimonials: Hear from those who've excelled with the help of this book.

Special Offer: Limited Time Discount: Grab your copy today at a special price!

Call to Action: https://michellexcomputer.gumroad.com/l/data-structures-for-the-girlies

"Don't miss this chance to join a community of aspiring women in tech. Get your copy of 'Data Structures for the Girlies' and start your transformative coding journey today!"

[sistahscifi]

We are team Xiala, Ashlee, and we totally see Serapio as bae. We can get into it!! We have Fevered Star signed  by Rebecca Roanhorse in stock!!! Purchase link in bio: @SistahScifi | www.sistahscifi.com. Better yet, check it out from your local #library!!! Reposted from @whatashleereads “We are but fevered stars— here a little while, bright with promise, before we burn away.” ✨Quick (spoiler free) thoughts: Black Sun was easily my favorite read of 2021 so the sequel, Fevered Star, was my most anticipated book of this year. It did not disappoint. This book was a great set up for the mayhem to come in Book 3. ✨The political intrigue among clans was elite. ✨Naranpa‘s POV was gripping. ✨We finally get some of Xiala’s backstory which I loved! ✨Serapio is bae. The crow god is fine as hell in my head. Idc. I found myself wanting to read his POV most. But are you at all surprised?? Get into it.   #FeveredStar #BlackSun #RebeccaRoanhorse  #BetweenEarthandSkyTrilogy #SistahScifi  #indiebookstore  @RebeccaRoanhorse  @simonandschuster @sagasff (at Sistah Scifi) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnwx7V_LL53/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[philiprappaport]

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/09/t-magazine/golden-hour-books-hudson-valley.html?smid=url-share

[sueclancy]

So @sullensjl and I went to @vintagebookshop to get our great niece a #jigsawpuzzle gift... (this #indiebookstore has a great #puzzle selection)... and I saw a #book about #books and #libraries so of course that came home with us too I couldn't just leave it on the shelf could I? 😁😁 (at Vintage Books) https://www.instagram.com/p/CrZfmmIvJ7I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mercerislandbooks]

Miriam and Nancy Pearl in Conversation

Hello, my beloved Island Books community! Dare I say it? I'm saying it. I'M BACK.

Islanders know me for various reasons--mom of four chasing kids at the local parks and schools, Daniel's wife, ballet teacher, writer, neighbor, and friend. But for those of you that have followed this blog a looooong time, you might remember that former Island Books bookseller James Crossley (now across the bridge managing our dear friend Madison Books) and I started the Island Books' blog back in 2011. Other duties and a pandemic took me away from it for a few years, but the dust is settling, the sun is shining, and OMG, Island Books is heading toward our 50th anniversary at the end of 2023. 

A 50th anniversary is no joke. There's a lot to say to honor my favorite place in town, so I'm lining up next to Laurie and crew to chime in. In the months leading up to the big day, I'll be chatting with current and past Island Books employees to trace the history and memories that make our store so special. I'll also be talking to our authors and literary friends who have a special connection with Island Books. Consider this project my yearbook to honor a local treasure, and if you read along with me, you'll see why Island Books is a pillar of our community. 

I'm kicking off my series with a chat with a woman who needs no introduction. Nancy Pearl is an American librarian, best-selling author, literary critic and the former Executive Director of the Washington Center for the Book at Seattle Public Library. But who she really is, to me, is one of the greatest book lovers of our time. She's someone I admire and wish to be like, she's funny, she's smarter than hell, and she's our dear, dear friend. 

Miriam: Nancy, tell me about the first time you visited Island Books. What are your memories there and what stood out to you about the store?

Nancy:  The first time I visited Island Books was in 2003 when the first Book Lust book was published. Roger invited me to come talk about the book. I loved the store. I think small and cozy bookstores are the best, and Island Books was one of those stores that are wonderfully curated with a glorious mixture of the popular and the unusual books that you wouldn't see at a Barnes and Noble, for example. It reminded me of Yorktown Alley Bookstore, the bookstore I managed in Tulsa years ago.

Miriam: I didn't know you managed a bookstore! That's good to know and explains a lot about you. I went and did my google duty and saw that the Yorktown Alley Bookstore closed, which happened to a lot of indies once Amazon came on the scene. Can you tell me a little more about working there? What kinds of books did you recommend to customers back then, and how have your recommendations changed between then and now? How did that experience help launch you toward library work?

Nancy:  I already had my library degree when we moved to Oklahoma and 2 daughters, ages 9 months and 31 months old;  7 years in Stillwater and then moved to Tulsa and my wonderful husband commuted back to Stillwater. He'd go in Monday mornings, sleep (in his office) Monday nights, come home Tuesday night, stay in Tulsa on Wednesday, and then back to Stillwater on Thursday and home again Friday evening. A good friend from Stillwater moved to Tulsa and opened the bookstore and when I was ready to go back to work I started working there.  I think I said this already, but it was really a wonderful bookstore. I sold many many copies of all my favorite novels from 1980 to 1989, when I went to work at the public library, including Anne Tyler's Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children (it was the then Random House rep, whose name I don't remember, who told me to read it, and he was so right), Pat Conroy (I met him at what was then called ABA conference in New Orleans and invited him to come to Tulsa and he did - I loved Prince of Tides. When the library staff (5 of us) went to dinner with him, he told us wonderful stories about his family and writing the book.

This was back in the day when it was time to order from Ingram you called them up and gave the order over the phone. I used to love calling them because all the women (and they were all women) had the loveliest Tennessee accents.

Miriam: I loved Prince of Tides too. Will you tell us about your experience with bookstores during the publication of your Book Lust series and with your debut novel, George and Lizzie? Do you have some favorite experiences from those times? James Crossley and I had the honor of being in conversation with you at Island Books when that came out and it was so much fun. There’s nothing bookstores love more than helping elevate authors!

Nancy: I loved doing the book tours for the Book Lust books (especially the first one) because I got to meet wonderful readers all over. I remember speaking at a bookstore in Washington (I think it was the one on Vashon, but it could actually have been Island Books) and the owner (maybe Roger) found a copy of one of my all-time favorite novels - Merle Miller’s A Gay and Melancholy Sound which was long out of print and gave it to me - And Lisa Scottoline chose More Book Lust as the Today Show bookclub book, which was thrilling - they flew me to New York and we were both on the show talking about the book. Lisa was wearing a beautiful Chanel jacket. Also I have to say here that I’ve really wanted to name More Book Lust this title: Book Lust 2: The Morning After. 

Doing the tour for George & Lizzie was wonderful because I love talking about those characters and why I wrote the book. I especially enjoyed the times the program was as an interview, like it was with you and James at Island Books. I was interviewed at the library in Tulsa, where some of George & Lizzie takes place (in Tulsa, not the library, but I worked at the library) and many of my old co-workers and old friends came to the event  The tour was really soon after the novel came out so not a lot of people had read it yet. I always felt the need to tell every audience that the novel wasn’t autobiographical.

Because I love meeting readers,  I always liked going on book tours—I’m so glad I got to do the ones I did. 

Miriam: The readers love you too, Nancy! Thanks so much for making time to answer my questions, for spreading your passion to so many others, and always offering your support to indie bookstores like ours. 

To our Island Books community: Keep an eye on this space in the coming months—leading up to our 50th—for my upcoming conversations with Laurie Raisys, Roger and Nancy Page, James Crossley, and many more characters who’ve made Island Books the place it is today. There are so many memories and special people connected to our store. I’m excited to share them here.

—Miriam

[forewordreviewsmag]

You're in luck! There's still time to act on our Early Bird discount for the INDIES Book of the year awards! https://publishers.forewordreviews.com/awards

Don’t miss out on the chance to submit your work at a reduced rate—available until September 30th. Take advantage of this limited-time offer and submit your book now!

With a diverse range of fifty-five categories to enter, the INDIES Awards welcome 2023 titles from independent publishers. Whether you’re a university press scholar, a self-published novelist, a nonprofit cookbook author, or an established independent publishing house, our awards have a place for you.

Don’t hesitate–entering is simple. Follow the link to get started and ensure your submissions are in before the discounted fee period ends in three short weeks. The entry window for the 2023 awards closes on January 15th, 2023. #ForewordReviews

[ledelano]

I had a wonderful time at last night’s book signing and discussion for IN THE DARK OF A DREAM with Towne Book Center. 📚I want to thank everyone for coming out - it was a pleasure to meet some new readers and catch up with familiar faces from past events. You were all terrific company!