Lake Tahoe, Calif., got an independent bookstore for Christmas. The 4,300-square-foot Neighbors Bookstore, which opened December 22, stocks 13,000 books (but has room for twice as many), 1,300 CDs and 750 sidelines, including greeting cards, art prints and magazines. The store also serves locally roasted Alpen Sierra coffee.

Co-owner Michael Stroschein, a former chef and Barnes & Noble store manager, has lived in the community for 14 years. He stated that he sees his potential for profit in running a store that focuses as much on the local as possible, hence the name Neighbors.

Stroschein said he's enjoying managing his own store. "It's wonderful. I get to pick my own books. I get to interact with customers on a more personal level," he told the Tahoe Daily News. He added, "I would like to try to get kids out from in front of the TV if possible."

Neighbors Bookstore is located at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd., Suite 23, in Lake Tahoe. It's open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, and the phone number is (530) 541-6296.