Rhode Island gets a bookstore bar; BAM's used book concept spreads to two more states; National Coloring Day prep begins; and more.
Grand Opening for 2nd & Charles in Richmond, Va.: Books-A-Million’s used bookstore brand, 2nd & Charles, is opening on July 30 at the Tuckernuck Square shopping center, just in time to celebrate the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts I and II. A new store in Detroit, which has an official opening on August 6, will offer customers a sneak peak with similar Harry Potter festivities on July 30.
Bookstore Bar Slated for Providence: A bookstore and neighborhood bar is growing in Rhode Island, as initially reported in Shelf Awareness. Former bookseller Tom Roberge, who has worked at McNally Jackson and Albertine Books in New York City, and Emma Ramadan are opening Riffraff, which “draws its inspiration from the best independent bookstores and neighborhood bars, establishments that are welcoming and comfortable and integral to the community.” To date they have raised 75% of startup costs and are looking for an additional $50,000 through community lending.
Carol Schwartz Up at 800-CEO-READ: The granddaughter of Harry W. Schwartz will succeed Carol Grossmeyer as chairwoman of the Milwaukee-based company that specializes in business books and bulk sales. 800-CEO-READ was an offshoot of Harry W. Schwartz Bookshops, which closed its bricks-and-mortar stores in 2009.
National Coloring Book Day (Aug. 2): Dozens of bookstores, including Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville, Ill.; Towne Center Books in Pleasanton, Calif.; and Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe in Asheville, N.C., are participating in the second annual coloring book day.
Correction: An earlier version of this story uncorrected cited "a dozen" bookstores participating in National Coloring Book Day and referred to this as "Thunder Bay Press's inaugural" coloring book day. It is the second annual event; Dover Publications officially registered it.
