Book Awards Announced Six Winners from Four PNBA States
The 50th Anniversary edition of the PNBA Awards were announced to the book loving world on January 7.
Your winners, listed below, have begun booking their acceptance gigs with their locals and providing celebratory essays for this year's NWBookLovers original series. Molly Gloss and Anthony Doerr are the first two to hit the page.
2015 Winners:
Pete Fromm (Missoula, MT) If Not for This Red Hen Press
Plaque Presentation: Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT, TBA
Molly Gloss (Portland, OR) Falling from Horses Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Renee Erickson (Seattle, WA) A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus: Menus and Stories Sasquatch Books
Plaque Presentation: Book Larder, Seattle, WA, TBA
Awards Committee display shelftalkers are available for download on the 2015 Winners page of the PNBA website. Village Books G.M. Paul Hanson says, "Happy for the multiple colors... especially since all of the winners are varying shades of blue!"
The 2015 Winners web banner can be dragged and dropped onto your desktop from this newsletter, NWBL or the the PNBA site for inclusion in your newsletters and on your store sites.
The Holiday Catalog Works Don't Just Listen to Us
"...this catalog has been the best received by our customers... the first 4 days, 95% of the people entering our store had a catalog in hand."
--Carolyn Olsen, Sage Book Store
"The catalog insertion has already paid for itself here. Yippee!"
--First time using newspaper insertion, Becky Milner, Vintage Books--on Dec. 5!
"We're ecstatic. Really. This reissue program is pretty near and dear to us, but we weren't sure if anyone else would feel the same way!"
--Joseph Goldschein, St. Martin's Press, in response to James Herriot's Treasury for Children hitting #2 on the PNBA Bestseller list
"It's great to see the results--thanks!!"
--Mary Beth Thomas, HarperCollins, watching The Year of Reading Dangerously make it's way up the PNBA charts
"Store sales for December 2014 were the best since I purchased the store in 2007. More customers than ever before came into the store asking for specific books listed in the gift guide and thanking me for putting the guide in the Tribune."
--Judi Wutzke, ...and Books, too!
Independent Bookstore Day Order Premium Items and Get Planning
While counting down, join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
And if you're going to Winter Institute, plan to attend the session "Making the Most of Bookstore Day," Monday, Feb. 9.
Recent Site Highlights
* To arms, citizens--your pens, your voices, your pages! James Crossley holds the banner of free speech and his head high in response to the Charlie Hebdo attack in this sad but inspired edition of "A Cup of News."
* Anthony Doerr shares some common misconceptions about the Great Northwest, a fabulous reading list, and--bonus!--the annual rainfall of Cincinnati in his 2015 Book Award essay, "The Pacific Northwest: Assumptions and Realities."
* Go to the Saturday cowboy matinee and ride the Western highways in the backseat alongside Molly Gloss to learn how her personal myths were built and how they've become a part of her work. Her 2015 Book Award essay is "Truth and Lies."
* Squirrels, whales and dogs in cars--all part of Billie Bloebaum's "Post-Holiday Brain Drain."
Bookseller Education Scholarships Binc Application Period Open
The Binc Foundation has announced the opening of its annual scholarship program, which supports booksellers and their families in pursuing higher education goals.
Binc will award scholarships to eligible current bookstore employees/owners and their dependents as well as former Borders Group employees and their dependents. $200,000 will be given away via fifty awards of $3,500, two awards of $10,000, and one Karl Pohrt Tribute Scholarship of $5,000, granted to a candidate who has overcome learning adversity or is a non-traditional student.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 27, 2015.
Member Notes
Goose on the Loose Well, for a block or so. Stanwood, Washington's Snow Goose Bookstore is moving down the block, slightly altering its name and taking on a new sideline. Absorbing a long standing local frame shop, Snow Goose is now Snow Goose Books & Frames. "We see this as the perfect marriage of books and art, all in a comfy setting, right here on Main Street.
Dudley's Adds New Books and Beans for Big Holiday The Bend Bulletin interviewed Rebecca Singer and Tom Beans, of Dudley's Bookshop Café, who shared how adding Beans to the operation and new books to the shelves increased sales 300 percent. Dudley's also brought in the PNBA Holiday Books guide for in-store promotion. "Sales of books over Christmas has been incredible," Singer said.
New Space for A Children's Place The lease is up and so would be the rent upon renewal, so Portland's oldest children's indie, A Children's Place, is moving from 48th and NE Fremont to a Whole Foods anchored mall at 14th and NE Fremont. The new space is slightly smaller, but owner Pam Erlandson ensures, "I will be giving up room but I won't be giving up books."
Carolyn Olsen is Retiring That's what the headline reads in the ad running in The Shopper, Mason County Journal, Daily Olympian, Mason Life, and Tacoma News Tribune. Olsen has been at the head of Shelton, Washington's Sage Book Store since 2002 but "the time has come to push the go button." Check out the details in the NWBL Classifieds.
Finally Found Up for Grabs Owner Todd Hulbert has decided to pursue other opportunities and sell Auburn, Washington's Finally Found Books. He built the store upon the footprint of the departed Baker St. Books, in Black Diamond, before moving the store to its current home in 2013. Of the entire undertaking, Hulbert says, "The last 3 years have been the most enjoyable and challenging of my life."
Third Place for Third Place The Stranger reported that Third Place Books, with stores in Lake Forest Park and the Ravenna neighborhood of Seattle, will open a third location in the Seward Park, south Seattle. At 3,500 square feet, the bookstore will occupy just about half of the building, sharing the space with a restaurant and possibly a pub. Third Place hopes to have the new store up and running by late 2015.
Portland Presses Join PGW Forest Avenue Press and Microcosm Publishing, both out of Portland, have signed on with Legato Publishers Group, represented by Publishers Group West. Both presses had featured authors at the Tacoma tradeshow and exhibited on the show floor while scouting for a distribution partner.
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Book Awards Plaque Parties Winners' Locals To Do the Honors
Tuesday, February 17 Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID Anthony Doerr All the Light We Cannot See
Thursday, February 26 The Duck Store, Eugene, OR William Ritter Jackaby
Friday, March 6 Broadway Books, Portland, OR Molly Gloss Falling from Horses
Friday, March 6 Elliott Bay Book Co., Seattle, WA Leslye Walton The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
Wednesday, March 11 Book Larder, Seattle, WA Renee Erickson A Boat, a Whale & a Walrus: Menus and Stories
March, TBA Chapter One Book Store, Hamilton, MT Pete Fromm If Not for This
Awards Committee display shelftalkers are available for download on the 2015 Winners page of the PNBA website.
The 2015 Winners web banner can be dragged and dropped onto your desktop from this newsletter, NWBL or the the PNBA site for inclusion in your newsletters and on your store sites.
Tote-ally Independent IBD Commemorative Book Bags
Pre-order interest was vigorous enough at Winter Institute to support the wholesale production of Independent Bookstore Day 2015 tote bags in support of the May 2 event.
The 15" x 15", with 10" handle, canvas totes are available to participating stores for $7.50 and can be sold as soon as they arrive for whatever price the store determines appropriate.
Referring to the bags produced for last year's California Bookstore Day pilot program, NCIBA's Hut Landon reports, "Some stores last year used them as raffle prizes or gifts for customers who spent over a certain amount, and they will work as souvenirs of the day for others."
February 27 is the order deadline. The easy breezy order form can be found here.
Find Waldo Local 2015 ABA Member Registration Open
The 2015 campaign, which inspires participation the entire month of July, unites small business communities nationwide in hosting scavenger hunts for the elusive, red-and-white striped picture book character. Hunts lead searchers through participating stores in their local shopping districts.
ABA member stores have until March 15 to sign up at IndieBound. The campaign is co-sponsored by the American Booksellers Association and Candlewick Press. Participation is capped at 250 stores.
Recent Site Highlights
* Go from West Virginia to Washington state to the story on the page in this expertly choreographed interview with PLU's Ann Pancake.
* Crowning the best bookstores, writing in watermarked suede boots, writing atop moving boxes, the butter-eating dog. Celebrate the essay adventures of Book Award winners Pete Fromm, Leslye Walton, Will Ritter and Renee Erickson.
* Join Dan Gemeinhart atop Mt. Rainier as he announces his debut novel, The Honest Truth, and pays tribute to a dear friend.
* Shock, sorrow and memories of kindness. Amanda MacNaughton remembers the late author and theologian, Dr. Marcus Borg.
ABA Spring Forum Help Form Fit Your Content
Each year, ABA's Spring Forums, held in conjunction with the regional booksellers associations, offer members and non-members alike the opportunity to share ideas, discuss industry issues, and receive updates on various association projects.
The 2015 ABA/PNBA Spring Forum will be held April 7, in Seattle. Location and time TBA.
The educational components of the Forums are developed from extensive bookseller input, including the ABA Booksellers Advisory Council, the Educational Task Force and YOU!
ABA would like you to take a short survey to help guide the fine points of this years' educational program, "Exploring New Markets."
The program sets out to "examine how thoughtful innovation, combined with organized planning and execution, is key to successfully tapping new--and profitable--markets. A number of opportunities in both customer demographics and proven sales and marketing initiatives will be reviewed, with an emphasis on the practical steps necessary to implement appropriate programs in the bookstore."
Thanks for your active participation, and don't hesitate to contact ABA's Dan Cullen with any questions.
Bookseller Education Scholarships You Can't Win if You Don't Apply
The 2015 application period for the Binc Foundation's annual scholarship program, which supports booksellers and their families in pursuing higher education goals, is fast coming to a close.
Binc will award scholarships to eligible current bookstore employees/owners and their dependents as well as former Borders Group employees and their dependents. $200,000 will be given away via fifty awards of $3,500, two awards of $10,000, and one Karl Pohrt Tribute Scholarship of $5,000, granted to a candidate who has overcome learning adversity or is a non-traditional student.
Don't think you have a chance? Waucoma Bookstore's (Hood River, OR) Heather Brooks and Rediscovered Bookshop's (Boise, ID) James Schildknecht will tell you otherwise. They were scholarship winners from the PNBA member region last year!
Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 27, 2015.
Member Notes
UBS Not One Bit Frail at 115 The University of Washington's University Book Store turned 115 years-old on January 10. Two students started the store in a cloakroom adjacent the president's office in 1900 and it is now, according to Bookselling This Week, the oldest and largest indie in the state.
40 Year-Old Vintage Valentine's Day was extra lovey-dovey at Vancouver's Vintage Books this past weekend as the store celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Staffer Pepper Parker e-invited well-wishers to drop by, including this note:
We honestly believe that bookstores will ALWAYS have a dear place in the heart of any city, no matter how technology develops or where it leads. With this steadfast belief, the owner of our store, Becky Milner [PNBA Vice President] has held on for 40, she would say, "wonderful" years. Becky is stubborn. And caring, and selfless, and indomitable. She will press on for the cause of bookstores till the day she dies.
Leigh Ann Leaving PNBA Secretary/Treasurer, Leigh Ann Giles, announced to PNBA staff and her fellow Board members at the recent Board retreat that she will retire as Trade-Gift Buyer/Assistant Manager of the Associated Students Bookstore at Western Washington University, later this spring, after a twelve year run. Leigh Ann will drop to 1/2 time in March and clock out for good May 8.
Northwest Voices Heard in North Carolina With Third Place Books' Robert Sindelar sitting on the ABA Board of Directors and thoughtful participation by Tracy Taylor of Elliott Bay Book Company and Jenny Cohen of Waucoma Bookstore, Northwest voices were an active part of the first Winter Institute Town Hall forum, held at Wi10, in Asheville. Read the recap from Bookselling This Week.
Armchair Winners Pendleton, Oregon's Armchair Books was honored with the Customer Service Excellence Award for 2014 at the recent Chamber of Commerce awards banquet.
"We were pretty excited as they keep all of the winners a surprise until the announcement is made at the banquet. I rarely attend, so they practically had to twist my arm out of the socket to make sure I was there to accept it! It is quite an honor for a small/tiny business of our size to be recognized." --Terry Dallas, owner
Sideboard The following were said, heard or done during moments of adjournment at the recent PNBA Board retreat:
"I'm often disappointed by cinnamon rolls." "I'm too self absorbed to have a hedgehog." "He got a milkshake. He's so happy!" Seth Kantner was texted near midnight. "I live alone, so I can't justify pie." "It's on the Menu" (insert disgusted tone).
*Check out the new calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
New Markets and New Books ABA Spring Forum at Third Place Books
Join your fellow booksellers on April 7, in Seattle, as ABA staff will examine how thoughtful innovation, combined with organized planning and execution, is key to successfully tapping new--and profitable--markets.
A number of opportunities in both customer demographics and proven sales and marketing initiatives will be reviewed, with an emphasis on the practical steps necessary to implement appropriate programs in the bookstore.
The morning session will be followed by an open discussion forum, with lunch provided by ABA.
Following the forum, Third Place Books and Algonquin Books invite Spring Forum attendees to move next door to the Lake Forest Park Bar and Grill for beer, wine and snacks with six Pacific NW Authors, including PNBA Award winners Jonathan Evison and William Ritter!
Evison and Ritter will sign copies of their forthcoming fall releases from Algonquin, respectively, This is Your Life Harriet Chance! and Beastly Bones: A Jackaby Novel.
Also appearing: PNBA Award winner Stephanie Kallos (Language Arts, HMH), Ryan Boudinot (The Octopus Rises, Fantagraphics), Christopher Robinson (War of the Encyclopeadists, Scribner), Tommy Wallach (We All Looked Up, Simon & Schuster BFYR), Jay Rubin (The Sun Gods, Chin Music).
10:30 - 12:00: Exploring New Markets 12:00 - 2:00: Open Forum, Lunch 2:00 - 3:00: Author Reception
ABA Spring Forum, April 7 Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park 17171 Bothell Way NE Lake Forest Park, WA 98155 206-366-3333
Contact your ABA Northwest Member Relations Manager Nathan Halter to RSVP for the Spring Forum today!
Indie Bookstore Day May is Fast on the Way
"The entire purpose of Bookstore Day is to celebrate our collective success and thank our customers and the community of readers. For so long, the message about indie bookstores was all doom and gloom, but the truth is, there are more indie bookstores this year than last, and more last year than the year before that. Independent bookstores are actually opening around the country. We want people to know that." --Independent Bookstore Day program director Samantha Schoech
Are you ready? Click here for the ads, the swag and the bags! Independent Bookstore Day is May 2.
Binc Responds to Booksellers Further Expands Grant Eligibility
Newly available bookseller assistance grants, created in response to information gathered in an industry survey, are intended to help when unexpected childcare or eldercare causes a bookseller to miss scheduled work.
An application for assistance may be submitted by a bookseller who has lost more than 50% of his or her scheduled weekly income due to a verified emergency need for child or elder care. The applicant must be the parent or legal guardian of the child or the primary caregiver of the elder.
Grants for loss of household income due to emergency child or elder care will help cover basic living expenses. For more information and details on how to apply for a grant, booksellers should visit the Financial Assistance page on the Binc website.
POS System Upgrades Technological Changes Looming
Changes in credit card technology are coming. By October, retailers not equipped with EMV chip card technology will face potential liability for fraudulent purchases.
Among the steps necessary to prepare for the transition, booksellers will need to purchase terminal technology recommended by their POS vendors. Booksellers working with stand-alone sale systems will need to implement certified terminals that work with the credit card processors they use.
Bookselling This Week provided this overview with transition details provided by six POS vendors, including customer support contacts.
Additionally, ABA's affiliated credit card processing company, Bancard Systems, is providing its small business clients with a detailed flier looking at how merchants should plan for the switch.
Recent Site Highlights
* Get a taste of delicious Book Award presentations for Molly Gloss, at Broadway Books, and Renee Erickson, at Book Larder.
* Billie Blobaum shares her list of new handsells to spring on the next customers through the front door in her latest Turning Pages column.
* You don't get this kind of literary journalism from every book blog. Excuse yourself and hit the head at The Homer Bookstore.
Member Notes
A Children's (New) Place After 15 years at 48th and Fremont, Portland's oldest independent children's bookstore is now in operation down the street at 1423 N.E. Fremont St. Watch the video at OregonLive and visit the new store blog for a report on the Grand Re-Opening.
The Pasadena Three Three PNBA Booksellers are the lucky recipients of Children's Institute scholarships for the April 19 - 21 event, in Pasadena, California. The winners and their sponsors:
Sarah Hutton, Village Books--Baker & Taylor Jesica DeHart, BookPeople of Moscow--Harlequin Jennifer Green, Green Bean Books--Owlkids
Each Children's Institute scholarship covers airfare or ground transportation up to $400, a two-night stay at the host hotel, the Pasadena Hilton, and the institute conference fee.
Closing the Page on Sage Shelton, Washington's Sage Book Store will be closing its doors March 22. "After many hours of trying to sell the store in any form I decided to close the doors and concentrate on my other business Olsen Furniture. This has been for sure the experience of my life and I will forever be grateful." --Carolyn Olsen, owner
Reviews for Kids, by Kids Shelf Awareness published the nuts and bolts of BookPeople of Moscow's Kid and Teen Advisory Board program on the heels of the buzz it generated at Winter Institute.
*Check out the new calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Independent Bookstore Day The Planning and Plugging Frenzy!
Sunset magazine, Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed, The Daily Beast and myriad public radio stations--Independent Bookstore Day is being broadcast across the country and the web.
Are you getting the word out in your community? Rediscovered Books, in Boise, sent out a release to their list and linked back to this calendar listing on the store site. Make sure your regulars and the rest of your community (read potential new regulars) know what you have planned!
The Shipping News:
Most items are shipping out this week from Ingram's Tennessee warehouse, with the exception of the Books About Books boxed set, which will be shipped out on April 23.
Changes:
Because of production hang-ups, the Books About Books set will now be slipcased in cardboard, not a tin, as previously planned. It's still a beauty, but Penguin Random House is now making any unsold (doubtful) sets fully returnable, just to be cool.
Extra! Extra!
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Grateful Dead and the publication of DEAL: My Three Decades of Drumming, Dreams, and Drugs with the Grateful Dead by drummer Bill Kreutzmann, St. Martin's Press is offering DEAL rolling papers for giveaway at participating IBD stores. The papers will be shipped in display packs of 25, and stores can order one or two display packs. Place orders through NCIBA's Hut Landon.
Get to Work:
For logos, an easy-edit press release and other helpful IBD stuff, click here!
Settling in for the ABA Spring Forum, Third Place Books
NW Indie Bookselling Share, Vent, Connect
PNBA members now have a virtual water cooler around which to gather in the many months in between tradeshows.
NW Indie Bookselling is a members only Facebook page where booksellers can share great discoveries, promotional ideas, ask advice or maybe just let off a little steam.
Reps and publishers might plug a new line or remind accounts of special offers. Authors can tip off their favorite NW stores to new releases and promote availability for signings.
A few caveats for the site:
--No sharing of pricing or discounting by booksellers --No bashing or talk of boycotts --Reps & authors are welcome to "hype" a title or line, but no direct ARC or sample offers through the site
To participate:
A PNBA member will need to email an administrator and share his or her personal Facebook page so a friend request can be sent, allowing admittance to the page.
If one of the administrators is already your "friend," just send a message and you will be welcomed aboard.
The five administrators of the site are:
Colleen Conway Penguin Random House Children's & YA rep, PNBA Board member
Suzanne Droppert Owner, Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA, social media maven
Jenny Cohen Co-owner Waucoma Books, Hood River, OR, frequent contributor to PBNA educational and technical sessions, Edelweiss pro
Diana Portwood Manager, Bob's Beach Books, Lincoln City, OR, manager of social media for her shop and Robert's Bookshop
Becky Milner Owner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA, former PNBA secretary
Member Notes
Having a Ball at King's Tacoma's King's Books celebrated its 15th anniversary with a Day/Night party on April 4. During the day, 15% off, store wide. After hours, DJ Lil Bito and DJ Spud! Invitations read, "Join store cat Atticus as he breaks out his moves!"
Bouquets for Bloomsbury Ashland's Bloomsbury Books will celebrate its 35th anniversary this Sunday, April 19. Owners Karen Chapman and Sheila Burns will break out the scrap book from 2 to 4 p.m. to revel in the memories of the store that wasn't supposed to last three years. The Daily Tidings shared the store's storied history.
Crumby News Paul Graham, Graham's Book & Stationary, Lake Oswego, OR checked in with big news. "Teri & I are retiring after 40 years at Graham's Book & Stationery, which is celebrating its 57th anniversary. We are retiring the business as well!"
It wasn't the numbers--sales were up 7% in 2014--it was just the right time. We'll miss them, but we wish them luck and unbound, uninterrupted reading. The Graham's plan to close up shop June 1.
Forum Host Robert Sindelar, Third Place Books, Looks Over the Crowd
* Chiris Scofield is an impressive and original new voice in YA fiction, but she has nothing on the heroine of her debut, The Shark Curtain. Get a feel for why we might all fall "In Love with Lily."
* James Crossley recaps the drama that at present defines Seattle's failed bid to become an official UNESCO City of Literature in this bitter swallow of "A Cup of News."
* They call him "Dr. Love." Well, word is they did when he worked at Borders. Tom Luce, now many years at Powell's Books, was named Bookseller of the Year by the Romance Writers of America. Feel the heat!
* Lock up your booksellers! Former Board members and recently retired booksellers Maggie and Leigh Ann hit the open book road and take notes. Join the indie adventure in parts one and two of their "Booklovers' Roadtrip."
That Hat, that Jacket, that's Johnny! Signing "This is Your Life, Harriet Chance!"
*Check out the new calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
on the sales effect of the inaugural Independent Bookstore Day.
Education, Exhibits, Authors Tradeshow Planning is Underway
Though we're weeks away from posting schedules and giving this show some real shape, the wheels are indeed turning on the 2015 PNBA Tradeshow, set for Portland, Oct. 2-4.
Education: If you have a proposal for an educational presentation designed for retail booksellers, librarians, authors or small press publishers--or a completely original educational brainstorm--please submit your idea via this online form.
Exhibits: PNBA is now accepting reservations for one and two-day tables and booths on the Tradeshow floor. For specs, rates and details on the special day two exhibitor promotion, visit this page.
Call for Authors: PNBA is now fielding proposals for author presentations for all meal, party and signing venues, more than 100 slots in all! Publicists and authors visit this page for submission instructions and selection protocol.
Attendees: Booksellers and librarians, we are ready to queue up your badges, so send in the registration for your store or library today. Also feel free to make your reservation for the Holiday Inn. They're all set to offer you that the special PNBA show rate today!
Member Notes
Western Star? Western Washington University's Associated Student's bookstore is searching for a new Trade Book/Gift Buyer and Marketing Coordinator to replace the retiring Leigh Ann Giles. Details and application.
Thinking of Springing for Your Own Store? Paulina Springs Books owner, Brad Smith, has announced that the flagship Sisters, OR store's sister store (say that fast), in Redmond, is for sale. There might be competition. Here's the letter he sent to 6500 Central Oregon patrons.
Pam Talk Pretty The University Book Store's Pam Cady shared her reader and bookseller make up as the featured Book Brahmin in a recent issue of Shelf Awareness. David Sedaris may have knocked her out of her chair, but it was The Outsiders that originally knocked her silly for reading.
What Rhymes with Anniversary? Seattle's Open Books: A Poem Emporium celebrated 20 years on April 28th:
On April 28, 1995, we unlocked the door to Open Books: A Poem Emporium for the first time, and you walked in. You kept walking in, bless you, and so here we are. Let's have a little party, shall we? Nothing fancy, nothing over the top (you know what we're like), just a chance to be a bit giddy over the way poetry books and the readers and writers of poetry books have helped to shape all our lives.
Ann at 80 Missionary's daughter, war captive, Smithy, author, streaker (okay, not exactly, but read this Shelf Awareness tribute and you'll get it). Eagle Harbor handseller Ann Combs has lived 80 amazing years. Who better to know a good story when she reads it.
"Wow. Last Saturday, the first Independent Bookstore Day, turned out to be as busy as any we've had since we opened, and full of good cheer from regular customers and people discovering us for the first time."
--Tom Nissley, Phinney Books, Seattle
Recent Site Highlights
* For the eight years of her daughter's life, author Sanae Ishida has continually weeded and refreshed the family's stock of kids books, but there are at least ten titles that will forever withstand the purges of time.
* The Babbling Book's Liz Heywood interviewed optimistic Haines, Alaska neighbor Heather Lende, whose latest book, Find the Good, has since been found by many a NW reader. It's a PNBA Bestseller. Can you spot it?
The Babbling Book is not yellow about going yellow for its neighbor!
* Book Award Committee member Billie Bloebaum is "Turning Pages" as quickly as she can in her own stack before the inevitable avalanche of award-nominated titles takes over her time-and end tables, nightstand, dining room table, passenger seat...
NW Indie Bookselling Share, Vent, Connect
PNBA members now have a virtual water cooler around which to gather in the many months in between tradeshows.
NW Indie Bookselling is a members only Facebook page where booksellers can share great discoveries, promotional ideas, ask advice or maybe just let off a little steam.
Reps and publishers might plug a new line or remind accounts of special offers. Authors can tip off their favorite NW stores to new releases and promote availability for signings.
A few caveats for the site:
--No sharing of pricing or discounting by booksellers --No bashing or talk of boycotts --Reps & authors are welcome to "hype" a title or line, but no direct ARC or sample offers through the site
To participate:
A PNBA member will need to email an administrator and share his or her personal Facebook page so a friend request can be sent, allowing admittance to the page.
If one of the administrators is already your "friend," just send a message and you will be welcomed aboard.
The five administrators of the site are:
Colleen Conway Penguin Random House Children's & YA rep, PNBA Board member
Suzanne Droppert Owner, Liberty Bay Books, Poulsbo, WA, social media maven
Jenny Cohen Co-owner Waucoma Books, Hood River, OR, frequent contributor to PBNA educational and technical sessions, Edelweiss pro
Diana Portwood Manager, Bob's Beach Books, Lincoln City, OR, manager of social media for her shop and Robert's Bookshop
Becky Milner Owner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA, former PNBA secretary
*Check out the new calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Parkplace to Host Doig Tribute A Down to Earth Evening in Celebration
Kirkland, Washington's Parkplace Books, neighbors, and author friends will host an evening of word and song in celebration of the life of Ivan Doig and the release of his last book, Last Bus to Wisdom, Tuesday, August 18, 7:00 p.m.
Authors Tony Angell and David B. Williams and Seattle Times book editor Mary Ann Gwinn will guide a discussion of "the world of writing and the influence that Ivan had on it."
In addition to honoring Ivan at the store, Parkplace added this note:
Ivan's last request to his readers was to go out and read a good book, take a beautiful hike or plant a tree. As part of honoring that wish and his memory, we are fundraising to collect money toward the purchase a memorial bench and tree to be placed in a public area in Ivan and Carol's home area. All monies gathered will go directly toward the bench and tree purchase. Please make checks out to Parkplace Books with notation of Memorial Bench on the check.
Due to space limitations, reservations are requested for the August 18 event. Please call 425-828-6546 or email Parkplace Books.
Binc Spreads Scholarship Wealth Northwest Names Among the 53
The Book Industry Charitable Foundation recently announced the winners of its 2015 Binc Higher Education Scholarships. The program awarded two scholarships at the $10,000 level, one $5,000 Karl Pohrt Tribute Scholarship and 50 scholarships at the $3,500 level, for a grand total of $200,000.
Among the winners were three from PNBA member stores. Congratulations to Angela Doherty, Powell's Books, Portland; Lindsey Mizell, Beach Books, Seaside, OR; Bryanna Moore, Oregon Books & Games, Grants Pass, OR.
Oregon Books owners, Robert & Karen Moore, added proudly that granddaughter Bry has also been awarded a Ford Family Foundation Scholarship of $25,000 per academic year! Bry was selected from a pool of 5,000 applicants and is one of only 105 recipients. She will attend the University of Oregon Clark Honors College this fall but, the Moore's report, has "promised to return and work every Christmas season and summers."
Independent Bookstore Day 2016 is Officially on the Docket
It's on. Host association NCIBA and Independent Bookstore Day have announced plans for the 2016 event, to be held April 30.
IBD program director Samantha Schoech and NCIBA Executive Director Hut Landon began meeting with publishers at BEA to discuss 2016 participation.
Publishers must submit their proposals for exclusive IBD books and items by September 1. Booksellers should plan to place their orders for IBD merchandise between January 15 and February.
To participate in Independent Bookstore Day, a bookstore must be a current dues-paying member of their regional independent bookseller association.
The Readers Become the Writers Collection to Showcase Bookseller Essays
Unbridled Books and former World Book Night U.S. Director Carl Lennertz, now of ExpressEdit.net, are teaming up to publish nine regional collections of essays written by independent booksellers.
Ronald Rice, editor of My Bookstore, will gather the submissions on the lives, travels, observations--anything inspired by personal experiences that are representative of life in a particular state or region.
The regional volumes will be published as a sufficient number of essays have been received, to the tune of one or two volumes per year.
A portion of sales from all volumes in the series will benefit the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, guaranteeing that contributors will be helping out fellow booksellers.
Essays are due to Lennertz by October 1. Submission guidelines can be found at Unbridled Books.
Member Notes
Robinson on a Roll Village Books owner Chuck Robinson is bicycling 2,400 miles across the country to attend his 50th high school reunion and he's turning his miles into dollars along the way.
Robinson has pledged $1 a mile to three favorite foundations; Whatcom Community Foundation (WCF), Book Industry Charitable Foundation (Binc), and Galva Foundation for Educational Enrichment (GalFEE). He's also inviting others to join the effort (no, you don't have to saddle up, just visit his pledge page). He rolled out of town this Monday, June 15. Follow his road blog for details of his daily adventures.
New Associate for Chickman Group Jamil Zaidi, long of Elliott Bay Book Co. and former PNBA President, is your new Northwest rep for Chickman Associates, taking over the territory from Greg Chickman. If you don't see Jamil on his rounds this summer, he'll be holding down the booth at the October show, alongside Greg, who you will be free to harass, in his last hurrah with PNBA.
Jamil can be reached at (425) 985-5657 or via email.
The Marquee Goes Dark Seattle's Cinema Books is shutting down after 38 years in the University Distrct. Owner Stephanie Ogle attributes the decision to neighborhood construction projects that have hindered business. "I'm too small to last them out." Read more at Shelf Awareness.
Bookworm Aboard PNBA welcomes The Bookworm, of Kennewick, Washington, into the membership fold. Owners Cindy and Mark Bitzer recently moved the store to facilitate expansion, growing from 2,600 square feet to more than 5,800 of new and used books.
Unable to produce photo of Adam in eight years. But this one Googles up!
Schnitzer Moving Up Perseus rep Adam Schnitzer has been promoted to the newly created position of VP, Perseus Imprint Sales Director, working with Basic Books, Public Affairs, DaCapo and Weinstein. Adam's Bay Area and NW territory will be covered by Elise Cannon and Ty Wilson, beginning in July. Details on account assignments to come. Looking to Get at-Larger? Sasquatch Books is seeking an Editor-at-Large to help the press develop new projects for its Little Bigfoot children's imprint. Full description.
Sky High Bookselling North Cascades Institute is seeking an enthusiastic and qualified individual to become the Retail Manager for six retail locations in and near North Cascades National Park. The position is based out of the Institute's administrative office in Sedro-Woolley, WA and supervises a retail associate. Details and application instructions.
Fishtrap Looking to Net New Director Fishtrap, Inc. is eager to find a dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization into its third decade and beyond. Through its many cultural and educational programs, Fishtrap promotes good writing and clear thinking in and about the West. More about the gig and organization.
We had fun, BEA. The day after, Grand Central Station
Recent Site Highlights
* James Crossley weaves books, song, kids, breakfast--so many of the truly good things in this life--into one lovely little ditty of "A Cup of News."
* Susan Richmond didn't quite have time to put together one of her "Thinklings" columns, but with the help of a little "cloudburst," she did give us the rundown of the inch of water that ran under the door of Inklings Bookshop from the next door Shopko parking lot (acres of empty blacktop, every Shopko, right?!).
The stock was, amazingly, spared, and in a moment of astute and advantageous awareness, some of it made it into a really great flood display, courtesy of Chris, The Intrepid Bookseller.
* Seattle's City of Literature effort is back on. Garth Stein dropped us word that 28 organizations have signed on to be part of a new advisory committee and the Board of Directors has been restructured. The collective team has come out of the gates with momentum, and this revival feels inspired.
*Check out the calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Permanent Poetry Librarian Gets Inspired and Inked
"I'd wanted a tattoo for a while, but nothing felt quite right. Then I was talking to a woman at a brewery who had just gotten a cool hop tattoo to honor 10 years in the brewing business.
"That got me thinking about my time at the library and what I would do for the world of books and I hit on J.D.'s poem. It all clicked into place."
That's the sentiment shared by PNBA's Michael Pritiken Rural Library Project coordinator and Fern Ridge Library District Director, Colin Rea, on the recent day he invested in a birthday present for himself.
The "J.D." is Pacific Northwest Book Award and Oregon Book Award winner John Daniel. The ink on Rea's arm is the first line of "Poem for Fern Ridge Library," which adorns the walls--yes, many of them--of Rea's workplace and Daniel's local literary refuge.
"OUCH! Still pretty pink there, but a most excellent quote and sentiment." --Cindy Heidemann, within minutes of the needle stopping
Of the poem, Rea shared, "John likes to joke that it's the only poem endorsed by the American Heart Association, because you have to walk 100 yards to read it all."
Regarding the newest, forearm edition of his walking poem, Daniel was moved. "Looks like you branded it on, dude! I'm really touched, Colin. On my vita I cite where my poems have been reprinted. I'll put you on the list: "Poem for Fern Ridge Library" (excerpt), Colin Rea's left arm."
As part of his Rural Library Project responsibilities at this year's show, Rea promises to always wear a short-sleeved shirt.
Talking Tradeshow Registration and Anticipation
Attendee registration is now open for the Oct. 2, 3, 4 Portland show.
We know you'll be there, but if you need a little enticement to get going on the paperwork, event lineups are being posted as soon as the final confirmations come in.
The talent flow begins with the Celebration of Authors, during the Day of Education. That evening's dinner and Nightcapper are still being finalized, but Saturday morning's Author Breakfast is awesomely official.
From there, you'll have to bite your nails and stay tuned to the show page. While waiting for updates, you can order your badge and meals and book your room, too.
These summer weeks are going to fly by...
Recent Site Highlights
* Island Books definitely has a flair for the spotlight this month. First, Roger and Nancy Page were bestowed with local honors (see "Member Notes" below); then, they up and sold the store! NWBL helped broadcast the big news, as shared via the store newsletter. Mercer, Mercer me.
* Pummeled into action by relentless early summer scorchers, Billie Bloebaum put together some seriously cool picks for your next heatwave display. "Ice, Ice, Baby."
* Jeffry Schaffer didn't want to interrupt the story, but he did an inside bookseller shuffle when he caught a kid killing time in a waiting room, not with a "small personal amusement machine," but with a real, oldfangled book! He now also has a handsell pitch for Pinkalicious.
* And speaking of oldfangled... Seattle's Phinney Books recently turned one-year-old and got just what they wanted--a Polaroid!
Member Notes Island Honors Island Books (Mercer Island, WA) owners Roger and Nancy Page have been chosen as 2015 Mercer Island Citizens of the Year by the town's City Council. See the feature on NWBookLovers.
Park Free, Browse Free, Buy Free The Seattle Gift Show is excited to partner with PNBA and offer its members who attend the free August 15-18, 2015 show at the Washington State Convention Center a $15 parking rebate!
PNBA attendees need only bring a parking receipt and show badge to the show office in Room 401 to redeem the rebate. Visit the Seattle Gift Show website for show details and contact show liaison Jhana Jordan with questions.
Finally Found Abandons Nonprofit Efforts, To Close Auburn, Washington's Finally Found Books had begun the process of transitioning to a nonprofit corporation but was unable to sustain the store while waiting for that process to play out. Owner Todd Hulbert posted the unfortunate news on the store's Facebook page.
NW Indie Bookselling Report "Sylla (Third Street Books) has a query on paper vs plastic bags. Emily shared a photo of Third Place Books summer reading 'boat' display (very clever). Colleen reminds us of the Indie deadline for Banned Book & Autumn Kids nominations."
This is a recent taste of what you might find at NW Indie Bookselling, a PNBA members only Facebook group where booksellers share great discoveries, promotional ideas, and advice. Reps and publishers can plug books, authors and promotions, too.
Contact site administrator Becky Milner, of Vintage Books, to get in on the fun.
The Readers Become the Writers Collection to Showcase Bookseller Essays
Unbridled Books and former World Book Night U.S. Director Carl Lennertz, now of ExpressEdit.net, are teaming up to publish nine regional collections of essays written by independent booksellers.
Ronald Rice, editor of My Bookstore, will gather the submissions on the lives, travels, observations--anything inspired by personal experiences that are representative of life in a particular state or region.
The regional volumes will be published as a sufficient number of essays have been received, to the tune of one or two volumes per year.
A portion of sales from all volumes in the series will benefit the Book Industry Charitable Foundation, guaranteeing that contributors will be helping out fellow booksellers.
Essays are due to Lennertz by October 1. Submission guidelines can be found at Unbridled Books.
Calendar
July 22 Store HC Order Form Release Aug 21 Store HC Orders Due Sept 27-Oct 3 Banned Books Week 2015
*Check out the calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Event schedules are posted on PNBA's Tradeshow page, so take a tour and get fired up before you sign up and secure your room (click the Holiday Inn logo for automatic group rate registration).
Three power-packed days of book learnin', NW indie style. But wait, there's more! ABA is offering independent programming Oct. 1, the day before the show officially kicks off.
Visit the Bookselling this Week article for details on the Human Resources Workshop with Dr. John Sherlock, director of the Master of Science in HR program at Western Carolina University. Dr. Sherlock delivered a "dynamic" session at Wi10 and was championed for fall regional shows by booksellers, including Elliott Bay's Tracy Taylor.
"I think all bookstore owners and managers should go, even if they only have one or two employees. Small businesses need to know the guidelines, laws, and expectations."
2015 Tradeshow Sponsors
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Baker & Taylor
Celebration of Authors
Exhibits
Ingram
The Nightcapper
Exhibits
PartnersWest
Exhibits
Penguin Random House
Education Day
HarperCollins
Feast of Authors
Phaidon
Sweet & Greet
Chronicle
Dinner at the Kids' Table
Enviro-Tote
Show Floor Book Bags
Banned Books Week Booty ABFE Promotion Kits Available
Hundreds of stores--those who requested BBW kits last year, participants of Ingrams BBW ordering program, and the most active IndieBound stores--received ABFE display kits in ABA red boxes this month.
If you are an ABA store who did not receive the stickers, bookmarks, "Caution" tape, display easel and pamphlets but would like to get in on the promotion, send a request to ABFE.
There are extras, but it's first come, first served, while supplies last!
* An indie press introduces an indie bookseller to a truly original, if under appreciated, NW writer in "The Cady Collection."
* NWBL editor Tegan Tigani examines the luxurious pleasure of revisiting favorite reads from summers past in "Summer Rereading." With special commenter bonus content!
* Have an extra wall holding up your store's roof? Consider a commission for a tribute to some of your favorite books on the shelves inside, as BookPeople of Moscow did. BigBooks for BookPeople.
Binc Launching Blog Series Articles to Highlight Qualifying Events
The Book Industry Charitable Foundation is launching a monthly series of blog posts to highlight the various qualifying events that can be the basis for Binc assistance to booksellers.
The first blog post covers facts about homelessness and how bookstore employees can get assistance.
To date in 2015, the Binc Foundation has helped prevent five booksellers and their families from becoming homeless. These homelessness prevention grants total more than $8,540.
Holiday Catalog cover art from "A Celebration of the Seasons: Goodnight Songs," Margaret Wise Brown, Sterling Children's Books
Member Notes Split Stanza Co-owner Christine Deavel has announced she's clocking out as an employee of Seattle's Open Books: A Poem Emporium.
"I am pleased to announce that I have taken a position as a family and patient liaison at Harborview Medical Center, a place also very dear to my heart. Despite my excitement, I have to say I've had a lump in my throat the last couple weeks. What an incredible gift it's been for me to work alongside John for two-plus decades. I treasure absolutely every minute."
Deavel's husband, John Marshall, will remain at the daily helm.
Sad News from Helena Ted Lucia passed along the news that Montana Book & Toy Company's Jan Peccia succumbed to cancer on July 12. Read the tribute on the store's home page.
Island Address Last month we told you about the ownership shift at Island Books from the perspective of the outgoing regime. Now meet the new boss in a self-introduction from Laurie Raisys from the store's August newsletter.
ABC Best Books Catalog ABA member stores can now place orders for this year's ABC Best Books for Young Readers Catalog. The order deadline is Sept. 1.
The ABC color circular is slated to be in stores in early October and will feature more than 200 frontlist and backlist titles for children and teens recommended by ABA member booksellers.
"We are in the old Sage space in Shelton. We have a beautiful store and our sales are through the roof!"
--Brilliant Moon's Mary Schroeder on the store's advantageous move from McCleary
*Check out the calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Lodging If you've waited beyond the last minute to try and book a room at the host hotel, you may still have a couple of good options available. The Holiday Inn is "tentatively" full, with periodic availability as cancellations from non-PNBA guests occur.
No luck? Call the nearby La Quinta Inn & Suites Portland Airport, 11207 NE Holman St., 503-382-3820. They may have rooms in the PNBA overflow block, $114 per night-including parking, wi-fi, breakfast buffet and the availability of the hotel's airport shuttle to run you to and from the Holiday Inn!
New Program "I think this is such a tremendous way for PNBA members to fall in love (or remember how much they had already fallen in love) with regional titles." --PNBA President, Tegan Tigani
The Book Awards Preview Presentation makes its debut on the show schedule this year, set for Saturday afternoon, just after the closing of exhibits. Awards Committee members will take a few minutes each to present and pitch one book they'd particularly like other committee members to consider.
Bonus Program "Love Between the Covers" is a feature film about romance writers and their dedicated readers that, despite not being on the original show schedule, will be shown from 8:50 - 10:15 am on Education Day.
The film is a feature documentary film that tells the fascinating story of the vast, funny, and savvy (mostly) female community that has built a powerhouse industry sharing love stories. Romance fiction is sold in 34 languages on six continents, and the genre grosses more than a billion dollars a year-outselling mystery, sci-fi, and fantasy combined!
Come to the showing to find out how you can have a screening in your store or in another venue in your town, supported and promoted by the film's producers. PNBA will have handouts at the screening, to help you decide whether "Love Between the Covers" is right for your store.
Too Many Book Bags? Never! The first couple hundred attendees to enter the show floor will receive a commemorative PNBA tote, courtesy of show sponsor Enviro-Tote. Don't neglect to inspect the stuff-it flyers inside for relevant BuzzBooks and Holiday Catalog promotions and much more.
Expert Advice Publishers and Authors! have specific questions about book development and marketing for new and current books? Do you want to learn more about printing, promotion, marketing, distribution, awards, websites or taking your publishing company to the next level?
"Ask the Experts" presents free, one-on-one, 15-minute sessions with individual publishing experts there to address your specific questions.
Sign up at Registration on Education Day and day one of exhibits for these Sunday slots, 9:30-noon, in the exhibit hall.
BuzzBooks Contest Fun on the Floor
Grab your card in front of the show floor doors, get into handselling mode, hear a few pitches, vote for your fave, win a cash prize!
American Copper Shann Ray Unbridled Books
Three intertwined lives in early 20th century Montana. Their stories offer a powerful and poignant elegy to horses, the stubbornness of racism, the entanglements of people desperate to reinvent themselves in the violent shadow of the American West, and the surprising potential for unlikely love.
Rarely Seen National Geographic
Shot by some of the world's finest photographers, features striking places, natural phenomena, and man-made heirlooms seldom seen by human eyes, including 30,000-year-old cave art, volcanic lightning, giant crystals, the engraving inside Abraham Lincoln's pocket watch, and more.
melt Eva Sköld Westerlind Pine Needle Books
Westerlind exposes her inner struggles through nature's ephemeral winter patterns. Giving color, depth, and shape to her emotions, she invites the viewer to weave their own narrative into the pages of abstract, feral, and anthropomorphic images.
Are You Seeing Me? Darren Groth Orca Book Publishers
Twins Justine and Perry are about to embark on the road trip of a lifetime. For Perry, it's a celebration of his favorite things--Ogopogo, Jackie Chan and earthquakes. For Justine, it's an opportunity to make peace with the past.
Uncharted Waters: The Explorations of José Narváez (1768-1840) Jim McDowell Ronsdale Press
The first complete biography of the overlooked Spanish mariner who explored much of the Pacific Northwest Coast in the 1790s. He was the first to map the Salish Sea and contributed to the formation of Mexico. 40 photos and maps.
Childhood Rhymes, From the Old and New Worlds Stacey Hogue Pine Tree Publishing
Delightful whimsical illustrations bring little known but long-loved nursery rhymes to life. Featuring rhymes from Europe and North America, this wonderful book includes not only the English translation, but also the original language or dialect.
Rural Library Recipient Third Street Books Makes the Pitch
Amity City Library (Yamhill County, OR) has been chosen to receive publisher book donations on the show floor in support of the Michael Pritiken Rural Library Project.
Fern Ridge Library District Director Colin Rea, the program's coordinator, found the library to be the "perfect recipient" for the donation.
Amity City Library was nominated by McMinnville's Third Street Books. Owner Sylla McClellan made the pitch.
"This small community library would benefit in many ways from an influx of new titles. Their library sees relatively heavy use and they are always in need of new books, especially young adult and kids titles... In a town where there isn't much for kids to do, the library is a real community center. They have a plan to start an adult summer reading program next summer.
"I should also say that their librarians are regular customers of Third Street Books, both for the occasional title for the library and personally. I definitely appreciate that. Alice Wicks, their head librarian is a strong advocate for her community."
2015 Show Sponsors
Making the Show Go
Baker & Taylor
Celebration of Authors
Exhibits
Ingram
The Nightcapper
Exhibits
PartnersWest
Exhibits
Penguin Random House
Education Day
HarperCollins
Feast of Authors
Phaidon
Sweet & Greet
Chronicle
Dinner at the Kids' Table
Enviro-Tote
Show Floor Book Bags
Indies First 2015 Strayed Adds Voice
2013 PNBA Award winner Cheryl Strayed is the author spokesperson for this year's Indies First effort, Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28.
Strayed has much to say in support of her support--read her letter to authors and illustrators. We were particularly giddy in response to this statement:
"I'll be spending this Indies First the way I spent the first one--at Broadway Books, the beloved independent bookstore I'm fortunate enough to have in my neighborhood. Several of my local author friends and I have made it a tradition to spend a few hours in the store together, sharing book recommendations and signing our books for customers while chatting with the store owners and their staff about the art of selling books."
Recent Site Highlights
* Charming and well-read, University Book Store employees Brad Craft and Nick DiMartino make excellent breakfast company. "The OTHER B&N."
* Bookselling Renaissance man James Crossley delivered diverse contributions outside of his "Cup of News" column this month. From Rock 'n' Roll Soccer to a "Taste" of the Balkans, take your pick. Hint: pick both.
* Cheers to the wildfire relief efforts of so many NW indie bookstores. A sample of big hearts and good will here and here.
Member Notes Leaving the Nest Seattle's Mockingbird Books announced that bookseller and kids book aficionado Emily Strange is headed to Atlanta to pursue an arts education at Savannah College of Art and Design. "Emily's Illustrator Spotlight" has been a regular feature of the Mockingbird newsletter and occasionally reprinted on NWBL.
Praise Jane "Independent bookstores supported my writer career with my first book Homestead and they've never stopped inviting me for events and continue to carry my books."
That's the purchase header on Jane Kirkpatrick's website, along with picture links to IndieBound and two of her longest and biggest backers, Sunriver Books and Paulina Springs Books. It inspired this note to her publicist, from PNBA E.D., Thom Chambliss:
"Jane has, indeed, been a true supporter of PNBA and our member bookstores for more than twenty years. We LOVE her... Please tell Jane that she is our CHAMPION!"
Bookseller Writers The submissions deadline for the bookseller essays collection sponsored by Unbridled Books and ExpressEdit.net, with proceeds benefiting Binc, has been extended to Oct. 1.
Editor Carl Lennerts says, "We received a batch of great essays on the previous deadline of 9/1--thank you; you are all in!"
And for anyone tentative to share their work, he adds, "I'll do an edit and discuss it with you. Don't worry... I'll help you make it perfect and you proud."
Holiday Catalog cover art from "A Celebration of the Seasons: Goodnight Songs," Margaret Wise Brown, Sterling Children's Books
*Check out the calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Bringing Home the Booty It Pays to Stick Around Sunday
The Second Exhibitor Raffle took place on the final day of the fall show, and another batch of booksellers and librarians went home happy, with more than just a bag or two of new books.
Congratulations to the winners and a hearty thank you to the prize donors:
Alec Milner, Vintage Books, Vancouver, WA/Ronsdale Press David Hartz, Book 'n' Brush, Chehalis, WA/Orca Book Publishers Susie Voth, Siuslaw Public Library/Cave Art Press Kim Hooyboer, Elliott Bay Book Co./WorldWise Imports Jack Wolcott, Grass Roots Books, Corvallis, OR/Book Publishers Network Mary Ann Fraser, Brilliant Moon Books/Ripple Grove Press sweetpea Flaherty, King's Books, Tacoma, WA/Microcosm Press Derek Brunner, The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene, ID/Stuff2Color Emily Portwood, Bob's Beach Books, Lincoln City, OR/Mountain Press Brenda Weaver, Hearthside Bks, Juneau, AK/Ted Lucia Laura Delaney, Rediscovered Books, Boise, ID/Chronicle Books Sally Loomis, Audubon Society of Portland, Portland, OR/Enviro-Tote Robert Portwood, Bob's Beach Books, Lincoln City, OR/Taku Graphics Deon Stonehouse, Sunriver Books & Music, Sunriver, OR/Shorefast Eds. Sally Myler, Corner Drug, Driggs, ID/Yurkanis Originals Kaitlyn Baker, University Bookstore, Seattle, WA/BINC Mary Schroeder, Brilliant Moon, Shelton, WA/Far Country Press.
The Grand Prize Winner of PNBA reimbursement to cover all expenses to attend this year's show was Sally McPherson, Broadway Books, Portland, OR.
The Grand Prize Winner for PNBA reimbursement for all expenses to attend next year's show, in Tacoma, was Libby Manthey, Riverwalk Books, Chelan, WA. And yes, if you're counting, this is Manthey's second win in a row--she swears she didn't stuff the bucket.
Dana Simpson, one of several standouts of Dinner at the Kids' Table Photo by Laura Stanfill
Show Feedback What We're Hearing
"What a wonderful Trade Show! Everything was seamless, and there were so many authors! I've a stack of cards and notes for our author staffer and so many ideas from the Education Day, I can already see my coworkers rolling their eyes."
--Becky Milner, Vintage Books
"Thank you for a successful weekend. The Nightcapper event was great fun and, as always, I loved the chance to connect with everyone. The hard work and care put into the weekend was obvious, and the volunteers and staff were amazingly upbeat and on top of every little detail."
--Randy Henderson, author of Bigfootloose and Finn Fancy Free
"You all run a great event! Loved seeing all the booksellers and donning a cowboy hat for the occasion."
--Shann Ray, author of American Copper
"Just a note to say thank you for all of your help at the PNBA show. It was a great show and we were very happy to be a part of it."
--Amy Collins, Orca Book Publishers
"I had a nice show with lots of face time. I've been around enough that I was able to reconnect with booksellers I've known for years and get acquainted with some new folks."
--George Byron Wright, C3 Publications
"You and the rest of the PNBA gang pulled off a great show, and I so appreciate being involved and getting the chance to promote my work. Many thanks for your championing in all quarters!"
--Ellen Urbani, author of Landfall
"Just wanted to say 'thanks' for yet another smooth show. As always, everything seemed to run like clockwork, and I felt it was all a solid success."
--David Glenn, house rep, Random House
"I wanted to thank you for the opportunity to present as an author at the Hold On, I'm Coming event at the PNBA conference this past Sunday--I enjoyed meeting everyone and touring the exhibits of the show. The event was fun and a good experience."
--Gail Folkins, author of Light in the Trees
"Phenomenal show. Congrats to all. I had a blast capturing some of the goodness with my camera!"
--Laura Stanfill, Forest Avenue Press
BuzzBooks Winner Frequently Favored
National Geographic's Rarely Seen: Photographs of the Extraordinary was crowned by booksellers and librarians as winner of the 2015 BuzzBooks contest held the first day on the show floor.
The kaleidoscopic book or worldly wonders, with chapters titled "Phenomena," "Life," "Places," "Objects," and "Moments," is laden with lens-captured rarities that are undeniably captivating.
Rarely Seen will undoubtedly be one of the most enjoyable and successful handsells on Holiday Catalog displays this year.
Ellen Urbani and Meal Event Coordinator Ali Shaw (holding Urbani's Landfall) Photo by Laura Stanfill
Amity Book Haul Oregon Library Loads Up
PNBA's Michael Pritiken Rural Library Project netted more than 25 boxes of new books, with a retail value of more than $12,000, for the Amity Public Library from publisher donations over two days of exhibits in Portland.
Amity Public Library was nominated by Yamhill County neighbor, McMinnville's Third Street Books.
You made it possible! Baker & Taylor, Chronicle Books, Enviro-Tote, HarperCollins, Ingram, PartnersWest, Penguin Random House, Phaidon
Recent Site Highlights
* Among the judges for the recently announced 2015 Washington State Book Awards were PNBA's own Paul Hansen, of Village Books, NW Chickman Assoc. rep and former Elliott Bay bookseller, Jamil Zaidi, and recently retired Third Place Books buyer, Judy Hobbs.
* Andrea Dunlop, director of the social media and marketing firm Girl Friday Productions and author of Losing the Light had some very nice things to say about the PNBA tradeshow and our "community" of booksellers.
* The PNBA Awards Preview Presentation, put on by Book Awards Committee to showcase some of their current favorites narrowed down from the nearly 300 submissions, was a well-received programming addition to the tradeshow. Committee chair and NWBL columnist, Billie Bloebaum, wrote up this "Book Award Buzz" pre-show teaser, which is a great place to leave your comments on the presentation, the process, or to cast your own vote!
Member Notes Sign from Above "The handmade wooden BookPeople sign that has been in place since around 1981 has just been brought inside to become an honored historic artifact! It was loose, so we're so glad we were able to take it down before it fell on anybody. We'll send updated photos of the front of the store soon!" --Carol Spurling, BookPeople of Moscow
William Ritter in front of his book babies Photo by Laura Stanfill
*Check out the calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Chambliss Announces Retirement Set "Out of Office" for Permanent
After 22 years at the helm, Thom Chambliss announced earlier this month that he will retire in February of 2016.
"After this year's show in Portland, it was obvious to me that that was my last show. I was worse than exhausted; I was drained. I could not believe how badly my feet hurt. And, yes, I wore my most comfortable shoes."
His letter concluded, "It has been a real honor to serve PNBA, and I hope that it has been at least half as good for you as it has been for me."
The Board of Directors has begun the search for a new Director with an open application process through Nov. 30.
Interested parties can view the job description and submission guidelines here.
Book Awards Shortlist It's Down to Twelve
The 2016 Pacific Northwest Book Awards Shortlist has been announced, nine of your colleagues having whittled the list to twelve from nearly 300 submissions!
Five previous winners, including one two-timer, made the cut. Up to six winners will be announced in early January. Here are the hopeful dozen.
Call Me Home by Megan Kruse (Seattle, WA) The Carry Home by Gary Ferguson (Red Lodge, MT) Children & Other Wild Animals by Brian Doyle (Portland, OR) The Game of Love and Death by Martha Brockenbrough (Seattle, WA) If I Fall, If I Die by Michael Christie (Galiano Island, BC) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah (Bainbridge Island, WA) Seveneves by Neal Stephenson (Seattle, WA) This is Your Life, Harriet Chance! by Jonathan Evison (Bainbridge Island, WA) The Triumph of Seeds by Thor Hanson (San Juan Island, WA) Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick deWitt (Portland, OR) Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson (Auburn, WA) Weed the People by Bruce Barcott (Seattle, WA)
Indies First Approaches Put Your Store on the Map
Small Business Saturday and Indies First events are approaching fast. Make sure your visiting authors and other special activities are promoted to consumers via the Indies First map on IndieBound.org.
To become a blue dot location on the big map, enter your event details into the Indies First Activity Registry. Additionally, bookstores that accept American Express cards can sign up to appear on AmEx's Shop Small map here.
Recent Site Highlights
* Amanda MacNaughton takes on "The Trouble with Happy Endings" and explains why she prefers a wrap up more akin to real life--always unpredictable.
* Fobbit author David Abrams does NWBL readers a solid by introducing American Copper author Shann Ray via this Montanan to Montanan interview, which concludes with a hefty tribute to NW indie booksellers!
* Want to know what Brian Doyle thinks of sitting around a table with a bunch of indie book crazies (that's you)? Here's a little "Book Talk" with Brian, as inspired by the fall show.
Cheryl and the Book Broads
Nope, not a band, but you can see them at Broadway Books on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 28! Photo courtesy of ABA
Member Notes IBD Totes and Ts December 1 is the new deadline for ordering commemorative book totes and t-shirts for 2016's Independent Bookstore Day celebration. Don't let this item get lost in the shuffle. Order today!
Paulina Springs Sells Redmond Store Paulina Springs Books, Sisters, OR, has secured a buyer for it's second Central Oregon store, in Redmond. Kaci Aslamov will operate the store as Herringbone Books as soon as the very unique deal goes official.
Liberty Bay Part Deux Poulsbo, Washington's Liberty Bay Books has opened up a pop-up shop in nearby Bremerton, a town of 40,000 with no regular bookstore! Owner Suzanne Droppert says she'll consider a permanent store if the holiday venture goes well. "We'll see if the readers of Bremerton want a bookstore" Read the full story in the Kitsap Sun.
The Bookselling Life of Robert Sindelar Third Place Books managing partner and ABA VP, Robert Sindelar, was profiled via an interview in Bookselling This Week. His last answer leads us to believe he may have been instrumental in the Ravenna location's basement pub.
It Takes a Village to Open a New Village Bellingham's Village Books & Paper Dreams is set for a soft opening of its second location, in Lynden, Washington, on Friday, November 20. Details of the undertaking can be read in Bookselling This Week.
Parkplace Displaced Kirkland, Washington's Parkplace Books is being forced out of the space the store has occupied for 29 years at year's end due to a major renovation at the Parkplace Center mall.
Rebecca Willow will take the opportunity to retire but reports of her business partner; "After nearly 27 years, Mary Harris still loves the business and is not ready to retire. However, without a new partner or owner she will have to close the store. As the last Independent bookstore on the Eastside of Seattle, this would be a sad moment."
In anticipation of either closure or relocation, the store is looking to downsize inventory and fixtures, including 4' wide double-sided floor gondolas on wheels. Contact Parkplace, 425-828-6546, if interested in partnership or store items.
"We are very excited to be the recipient of all this book goodness! I nearly fainted when I opened some of the boxes and saw what we now can offer our patrons. Thank you very much for making this possible!"
--Nancy Ellis, Amity Public Library, 2016 Michael Pritiken Rural Library Project recipient
Binc at the Tradeshow A Hearty Stamp of Approval
Kit Steinway represented the Book Industry Charitable Foundation at the fall show and encapsulated her weekend in a top ten list for the organization's blog.
*Check out the calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
At this time, we need one new member of the Board, four members of the Awards Committee and three for the Education Committee.
To be eligible, you must currently be employed at a PNBA member bookstore--that's it!
All Board and Committee members will be reimbursed for all expenses related to attending the fall show each year. PNBA is happy to reward those who serve the Association.
Email your interest along with your store and a bit about your book industry history to PNBA E.D., Thom Chambliss.
The Board plans to make the appointments at their Annual Retreat in early February.
Holiday Bonuses! Jimmy Kringle Keeps Giving
James Patterson has awarded 87 booksellers holiday bonus gifts totaling $250,000 as a thank you gift for their year-round efforts in "spreading the joy of reading."
The program was announced in October and yielded nearly 3,000 nominations!
Here are the winners from the Northwest and the stores they do proud:
Charnee Rose; Grass Roots Books & Music, Corvallis, OR Earl Dizon; Green Bean Books, Portland, OR sweet pea Flaherty; King's Books, Tacoma, WA Carol Easter; Powell's Books, Portland, OR Kevin Sampsell; Powell's Books, Portland, OR Karen Maeda Allman; Elliott Bay Book Company, Seattle, WA Rich and Patti Harriman; Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, WA Joan Terselich; Village Books, Bellingham, WA
Recent Site Highlights
* Kurtis Lowe says, "We had a blast. Will make more life rings on demand. It was really just a crafty break for me." Check out his Whirlwind Bookstore Tour, chaperoning Jonathan Evison and Harriet Chance--no easy gig!
* Shortlist: The Musical! Awards Committee chair Billie Bloebaum delivers a sing-song tour (with a touch of Looney Toons) of the final 12, with behind the scenes commentary on the monumental process.
* Feast of Authors featured author Kim Heacox was honored with a 2015 National Outdoor Book Award for his Holiday Books guide Best of the Northwest pick, Jimmy Bluefeather, the first work of fiction to win a NOBA!
IBD Items to Go Live Impressive 2016 Premiums
The 2016 Independent Bookstore Day catalog goes live on January 15, and there's not a whole lot of time to peruse, as orders are due February 1.
Look for goodies from Neil Gaiman, Ann Patchett, Anthony Bourdain and Curious George--plus a special IBD brew!
You're Going to Wi11! Scholarships Pave the Way
Several Northwest booksellers are among the dozens of scholarship winners who will attend Winter Institute in late January, in Denver, with the help of publisher support.
Keep on the lookout for each other!
Tom Beans, Dudley's Bookshop Café, Bend, OR (Dzanc Books/Catapult)
Billie Bloebaum, A Children's Place, Portland, OR (Hachette Book Group)
Naomi Baird, The Book Bin, Corvallis, OR (New Directions)
Andrea Griffith, Browsers Bookshop, Olympia, WA (Perseus Books Group/PGW)
Caitlin Luce Baker, University Book Store, Seattle, WA (Simon & Schuster Children's)
Robert Moore, Oregon Books & Games, Grants Pass, OR (Sterling Publishing)
PW Awards Nomination Countdown
Because of BEA's early May 2016 dates, Publishers Weekly has pushed up the nomination deadline for its annual bookstore and rep awards. Winners are announced at a special ceremony during the expo.
PW welcomes nominations from anyone with ties to the book industry, from authors to booksellers, publishers and distributors. Please send submissions to Judith Rosen by January 10.
Member Notes
Roaring Good News After a visit by the PNBA office and Tradeshow staff and many weeks of negotiations, the Association has a signed contract with the Red Lion Hotel on the River, Jantzen Beach, Portland, for our 2017 Tradeshow. Show dates are Sunday - Tuesday, October 8 - 10, 2017.
Holiday Catalog Particulars Insertion reimbursement instructions and sales sheets are posted on the HC page of the PNBA website-but don't dare fill out those sheets until the calendar turns. Every sale counts!
Herringbone Open for Business The former Paulina Springs Books Redmond location made the quick change to Herringbone Bookstore as the calendar flipped from November to December, and it definitely took a community effort.
Gift Show Incentive
Not headed to Denver for Wi11? How about the Seattle Gift Show, Jan 22-25, Washington State Convention Center, in downtown Seattle?
Admission is FREE and the show's producers are offering a parking reimbursement to all PNBA members. Just stop by the show office and tell them you're with PNBA and you'll receive a $15 VIP parking rebate, in cash, on the spot!
"Our goal is to make attending the show as easy, productive and as fun as possible," says Urban Expositions rep Jhana Jordan, who also offers her direct help with any show questions.
*Check out the calendar of member-related deadlines and events now featured on pnba.org!
Classifieds Now On NWBL PNBA classified advertisement listings are now featured on the NW Book Lovers blog. NWBL greatly broadens the options and the audience for NW book-related postings. Current PNBA members are eligible for free classifieds. Contact Tegan Tigani for guidelines and scheduling.
Carolyn Olsen is Retiring
Thinking of Springing for Your Own Store?
American Copper
Rarely Seen
melt
Are You Seeing Me?
Uncharted Waters: The Explorations of 
Childhood Rhymes, From the Old 
Sign from Above
It Takes a Village to Open a New Village
