An African-American bookstore returns in California; a North Carolina bookstore adds a B&B; a bookstore searches for space in Queens; and more.
Carol’s Books in Sacramento Reopening: Five years after flooding caused by a broken water main forced the African-American bookstore to close, owner Sharon Wright is readying the space to reopen. It’s been freshly painted and new shelves, a new counter, and books are being put in place. No date has been set yet for the reopening.
Unlimited Books for Kids Opening in Franklin, N.C.: Suzanne Harouff is planning a July 1 opening for a 300 sq. ft. children’s store next door to her general new and used bookstore, Books Unlimited. The new space will have enough room for story time and other children’s activities. The current children’s section will become a bargain room. Harouff is also looking at moving other sections.
Queens Bookstore Initiative Reaches Kickstarter Goal: When Vina Castillo, Natalie Noboa, and Holly Nikodem worked at Barnes & Noble, they joked about opening a bookstore their own. As a result of raising over $72,000, they’re significantly closer to fulfilling their dream to have a general bookstore in the New York City borough.
GoFundMe Campaign Launched for Destroyed Ohio Bookstore: After a tragic fire earlier this week that destroyed the historic building that housed Browse Awhile Bookstore in downtown Tipp City, a fundraiser has been set up to raise money for expenses not covered by insurance.
Keeping Baldface Books in Dover, N.H.: The 25-year-old bookstore’s Indiegogo campaign, which ended earlier this month, raised a little less than half of the $9,500 it needs to renovate the store. A group of poets, authors, artists, and musicians are planning a June 30 benefit to be held at the bookstore to help it stem the loss in foot traffic since its move four years ago.
Old Books on Front Street Adds Literary B&B: This fall the Wilmington, N.C., bookstore is opening a book-themed bed-and-breakfast, which is tentatively called “The Top Shelf,” above the bookstore. Managing partner Gwenyfar Rohler got the idea from the Sylvia Beach Hotel, a literary bed-and-breakfast in Newport, Ore.
Edward McKay Closing in Fayetteville: The owners are closing the 42-year-old used bookstore and putting the property up for sale. No date has been set yet, but store hours will be scaled back after July 1. The other McKay stores in Raleigh, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem will remain open.
