An iconic gay bookstore in Canada changes hands; a North Carolina store readies a new toddler section; a Vermont store is feted for its support of reading; and more.
New Owner for Vancouver’s Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium: Don Wilson, who has been managing Little Sister’s for the past two years, has purchased the 33-year-old gay bookstore effective September 1. Within years of opening, the store, which was named for founders Jim Deva and Bruce Smyth’s cat, began fighting in court against Canada custom agents, who seized their shipments. Declining health and Deva’s unexpected death in 2014, led Smyth to sell the store. In addition, he sold Little Sister’s five-year-old spinoff, Sweet Adult Boutique, to the owners of the Male & Female Harmony Store.
Grand Opening Set for Spellbound’s Baby Room: The Asheville, N.C., children’s bookstore will be celebrating its new baby and toddler room on September 17. The new space has an expanded inventory of board books, cloth books, and book-themed “onesies.” There’s also a play table with baby-friendly toys.
Norwich, Vt., Bookstore Wins Independent Spirit Award: The Book Publishers Representatives of New England named the Norwich Bookstore this year’s Independent Spirit Award winner. The award, which will be given at the New England Independent Booksellers Association fall trade show next month, is given to a store that passionately spreads the love for books.
Longwood University B&N Closes to Assess Water Damage: A fire set off by lightning earlier this week forced Barnes & Noble to close its bookstore at the Farmville, Va., school temporarily because of water damage from extinguishing the blaze. The bookstore expects to reopen today.
Small World Books Closes New Branch Store: The Rochester, N.Y., used bookstore, which also specializes in rare books and vinyl, is closing its year-old store College Town Books branch near the University of Rochester at the end of the month. It is the third business in the Collegetown development to close this year.
