A new store opens in Ottawa; a New Mexico store experiments with a local press; a Pennsylvania store becomes one of the black-owned bookstores coming back; and more.
Prairie Fox Books Opens in Canada Today: Gabriella Crivilare, her brother Ethan Olson, and their parents, Mary and Gregg Olson, who co-own Rock Paper Scissors, opened a bookstore in the former location of the Book Mouse, which closed in August. Crivilare said that Prairie Fox Books will hold author events and book parties and promote reading programs as did the Book Mouse. It is also keeping store cat Sonny.
UNM Press Corner Opens at UNM Bookstore: The bookstore will celebrate its new partnership with the University of New Mexico Press, which includes a dedicated display of press titles, on October 27 with a signing with several press authors. “We have long felt that the press should have more presence in our store,” said Lisa Walden, UNM Bookstore retail and marketing division manager, “and believe that what we have built together accomplishes that goal.”
Laurel Book Store in Oakland Seeks a Partner: In her “State of the Store Address” to mark the bookstore’s 15th anniversary (its second in its downtown location), owner Luan Staus announced that she is looking for a business partner with ideas and energy. “The potential for growth is great,” she wrote. Those interested should contact her directly.
Black-owned Bookstores Ready for the Next Chapter: Although the number of black-owned bookstores has declined precipitously, only 54 remained in 2014, some are coming back. The public outpouring following a newspaper article about Hakim’s in Philadelphia being on the verge of closure last year re-energized owner Yvonne Blake. Since then she has added a café and hired younger staff to help her run the store.
Bookshop Santa Cruz Celebrates Its First Half Century: The Santa Cruz, Calif., bookstore began its birthday celebration by funding three Artful Reading Benches in parks around the city to encourage families to read together. The final one will be dedicated later this month. On Sunday, the bookstore will hold a launch party for A Light in the Midst of Darkness, which chronicles the history of the store. A birthday bash is slated for November 4, followed by a weekend-long sale.
