James Patterson wishes booksellers a "Merry Christmas"; Amazon gets one step closer to opening its fourth bookstore; two bookstores prep for Indiana openings; and more.
James Patterson to Give Holiday Bonuses Again: The best-selling author told the AP that he will distribute $250,000 to independent booksellers once again, the same amount he donated last year. Applications will be available on the ABA website for gifts ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per person.
Earl Plaza Books Closing Leads to Two Bookstore Openings: When Martin Atkins announced over Labor Day Weekend that he was closing the used bookstore his father, Jim, had founded in Lafayette, Ind., 41 years ago and had to be out of in 30 days, two couples were inspired to buy inventory to launch stores of their own. Laura and Justin Kendall purchased 100,000 books along with pine shelving to open an as-yet-unnamed store in the Market Square Shopping Center in Lafayette. The second unnamed buyers will open a store in Lafayette, too, in the near future.
Co-op Bookstore Opens in Billings, Mt.: As of last weekend, the long planned House of Books is open. “It’s been hectic trying to get everything done in time. But we really wanted to make sure that we were open for a week and going before the High Plains BookFest hits,” said general manager and CEO Gary Robson. The BookFest takes place throughout downtown Billings from October 6-9.
Amazon Books Gets License for Store in Dedham, Mass.: Town selectmen voted 5-0 to approve a common victualer for the country’s fourth Amazon Books to open at the Dedham Mall next year. But the manager of the 7,500 sq. ft. store with an 850 sq. ft. café has to appear before the board no later than 30 days after opening. The selectmen also expressed concern about a nearby Amazon warehouse, which has been subject to complaints by neighbors, and said that the e-tailer has not gotten off to a good start..
Waucoma Bookstore Celebrates 40 Years: Muir and Jenny Cohen, who purchased the bookstore in Hood River, Ore., in 2008, are marking its first four decades with author signings, discounts, and, of course, cake.
