Shaw's Book Shop, Westwood, N.J., is closing at the end of the month, the Record reported. Tom Downs, who founded the store in 1977, told the newspaper that sales have been declining and his lease is up, so at age 60, he plans to retire.

"Business has slowed down quite a bit," he said. "Everything was great. I was here 40 years and it was a lot of fun, a lot of good times."

He said sales had fallen because of online bookselling and the growth of e-books. "A young woman came in here the other day and said, 'My mother used to come in here all the time and then she got a Kindle.' You have a lot of that."

Downs said he would miss the customers. "You get to know a lot of people," he said. "You know their names, you know what they like, you know what to recommend. It's nice to be able to have a conversation with people about books."

Downs's father owned the former Trilby's bookstore in Ridgewood, N.J., from 1960 into the 1980s.

The Next Chapter Café will open in November in the currently vacant restaurant space at the Northshire Bookstore, Manchester, Vt., with the businesses operating "in close harmony, blending aesthetic and outstanding service levels to continue to provide both a truly unique shopping venue with an exceptional eating experience."

Co-owners Sandra Kraehling, Daniela Stewart and Susan Howard are bringing their considerable "skills in food, business and design" to the challenge of operating a restaurant and café in the space, which became available last month after Spiral Press Café's 15-year run ended, the Manchester Journal reported.

"It's a wonderful location with a fantastic backdrop," said executive chef and cafe manager Kraehling. "This is the right place, the right time, the right cuisine." A graduate of the French Culinary Institute and former New York restaurant owner-chef, she describes her cuisine as: "Latin-inspired, sun-created, Vermont-finished."

"People say don't go into business with friends," Kraehling added. "We are friends but we are very keen on working and acknowledging the role of business partners. We are taking this quite seriously.... We have incredible complementary energy. We each have strong points and we bring those to the table, no pun intended."

Independent booksellers mark Banned Books Week annually with a variety of displays, events and promotions celebrating our freedom to read. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, the week draws national attention to the dangers of censorship. Check out these social media highlights from indie bookstores:

Riverwalk Books, Chelan, Wash.: "Happy #BannedBooksWeek! Riverwalk Books is a proud supporter of Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating your right to literary freedom! This year's theme 'Banning Books Silences Stories,' is a reminder that everyone needs to speak out against the tide of censorship that threatens free and open access to information in books. Visit our store, Facebook, or Instagram over the next week to see some of our favorite banned or challenged books and join the conversation!"

Red Balloon Bookshop, St. Paul, Minn.: "It's #BannedBooksWeek and our store is full of hazardous materials."

Hockessin Book Shelf, Hockessin, Del.: "Stop by all week long to Bookstagram a Banned Book! We love Banned Books!!!"

Wheatberry Books, Chillicothe, Ohio: "Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. The books featured in our display this week have all been targeted for removal or restrictions in libraries and schools. During Banned Books Week, we are highlighting the value of free and open access to information."

Horton's Books & Gifts, Carrollton, Ga.: "Clementine chaining up the books for banned books week!"

Burke's Book Store, Memphis, Tenn.: "Banned Books Week, Celebrating the Freedom to Read, is September 23-29. Go read something you shouldn't!"

Kuala Lumpur was named World Book Capital for the year 2020 by Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, on the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee, which includes representatives of the International Publisher's Association, the International Federation of Library Associations and UNESCO.

The Malaysian capital was selected because of "the strong focus on inclusive education, the development of a knowledge-based society and accessible reading for all parts of the city's population." The year of celebrations will begin April 23 on World Book and Copyright Day.

With the slogan "KL Baca--caring through reading," the program focuses on four themes:  reading in all its forms, development of the book industry infrastructure, inclusiveness and digital accessibility, and empowerment of children through reading. Other events and activities will include the construction of a book city (the Kota Buku Complex), a reading campaign for train commuters, enhancing of digital services and accessibility by the National Library of Malaysia for the disabled, and new digital services for libraries in poor housing areas of Kuala Lumpur.

The objective is to foster a culture of reading and inclusiveness--"A city that reads is a city that cares"--emphasizing ubiquitous access to books throughout the city. The city's program for World Book Capital is linked to the Vision 2020 for Kuala Lumpur and the eco-city project called the River of Life with open-air bookshops and libraries populating the newly-restored waterways of the city.

As the 20th city to bear the title of World Book Capital since 2001, Kuala Lumpur will follow Sharjah (2019) and Athens (2018).

On Thursday, the second part of the American Booksellers Association's Autumn 2018 Kids' Next List was delivered to nearly half a million of the country's best book readers, going to 420,545 customers of 125 participating bookstores. The next Kids' Next List issue, scheduled for Thursday, November 15, will be the first volume of the winter catalogue.

The e-newsletter, powered by Shelf Awareness, features fall Kids' Next List titles, with bookseller quotes and "buy now" buttons that lead directly to the purchase page for the title on the sending store's website. The newsletter, which is branded with each store's logo, also includes an interview (from Bookselling This Week) with the author whose book was chosen by booksellers as the number-one Kids' Next List pick, in this case Laura E. Weymouth, author of The Light Between Worlds (HarperTeen).

For a sample of the newsletter, see this one from Chapters on Main, Van Buren, Ark.

Harriette Beeson, co-owner with her husband, Fred, of Burke's Book Store, Memphis, Tenn., from 1984 to 2000, died September 20. She was 83. On Facebook, Burke's Book Store posted: "Current Burke's owners Corey and Cheryl Mesler worked for Harriette for nearly a dozen years before purchasing the book store at her retirement.... Her spirit will always be a part of Burke's. We will think of her often, whenever a used book passes through with her distinctive handwriting, or someone uses the phrase, 'If that suits your coperosticks' (we were never quite sure if that was a real word or not) or 'larroes to catch meddlers.' We'll think of her whenever we see a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the same breed as her beloved Chip, the bookstore dog. And of course, there was her love of books and the written word. Through her commitment to literature and her place in the rich history of Burke's Book Store, Harriette will be with us always. We will miss you."

Beeson's obituary in the Commercial Appeal noted that her "success at keeping an independent bookstore vibrant and viable was enhanced by her natural grace and graciousness. In addition to running the purely business side of things, Harriette made Burke's a center of arts and letters by hosting book signings and other gatherings where she welcomed anyone and everyone, often with her homemade brownies. She had Memphis humming with the talk of a new John Grisham book signing with lines out the door and around the block. For their contribution to the community through Burke's, the Germantown Arts Alliance awarded Harriette and Fred an Arts and Humanities medal for their 'Advocacy of Southern Letters' in 1998."

This past weekend, the ABA board of directors joined area booksellers at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, N.C., for a reception, where author Mesha Maren introduced her forthcoming debut, Sugar Run (Jan. 8, 2019, Algonquin). Pictured, front row l. to r.: Minna Banawan (Flyleaf); Kathy Pories (Algonquin); Joy Dallanegra-Sanger (ABA); Lauren Moseley (Algonquin); Brian Lampkin (Scuppernong Books); Amanda Ibarra (Flyleaf); Angela Maria Spring (Duende District Books, Washington, D.C.); Pete Mulvihill (Green Apple Books, San Francisco, Calif.). Back row: Jamie Fiocco (Flyleaf); Annie Philbrick (Bank Square Books, Mystic, Conn., and Savoy Bookshop & Cafe, Westerly, R.I.); Kenny Brechner (Devaney, Doak and Garrett Booksellers, Farmington, Maine); author Mesha Maren; Robert Sindelar (Third Place Books, Seattle, Wash.); Bradley Graham (Politics & Prose, Washington, D.C.); Christine Onorati (WORD bookstores, Brooklyn, N.Y., and Jersey City, N.J.); and Amy Spaulding (Regulator Bookshop).

Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe, Ariz., shared a Twitter thread showcasing the creative process for its new shelfie station mural by David Quan, aka Luster Kaboom.

At Melville House:

Tim McCall has joined the company as v-p, sales and business development. He was formerly trade sales director for LSC Communications and earlier worked at Penguin and Penguin Random House for more than 20 years, most recently as v-p, director of online sales and marketing.

Stephanie Valente has joined the company as digital marketing manager. Formerly social media editor for Men's Journal, she is now responsible for Melville House's website and social media, and editing the MobyLives blog.

Michael Seidlinger has joined the company as library and academic marketing manager. Previously he was digital producer for Publishers Weekly and social media editor for Electric Literature. He was also founder and publisher of the indie publishing house Civil Coping Mechanisms.

---

Sonya Cheuse has been promoted to senior publicity director at Ecco.

November Road: A Novel by Lou Berney (Morrow).

Today:
NPR's Here and Now: Jill Lepore, author of These Truths: A History of the United States (Norton, $39.95, 9780393635249).

Tomorrow:
Today Show: America Ferrera, author of American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures (Gallery, $26, 9781501180910).

CBS This Morning: Sebastian Maniscalco, author of Stay Hungry (Gallery, $25, 9781501115974).

HBO plans to convert several Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland into tourist attractions, including "the standing sets for iconic locations from the show such as Winterfell, Castle Black and Kings Landing alongside a formal studio tour of Linen Mill Studios, which will showcase material from the series spanning all seasons and settings," Variety reported.

The network, which is tentatively aiming for a 2019 opening for the Game of Thrones Legacy attractions, said the project would be "on a scale and scope bigger than anything the public has ever seen."

"HBO is thrilled to celebrate the work of the Game of Thrones creative team and crew by preserving these locations and inviting fans to visit Northern Ireland and explore Westeros in person," said Jeff Peters, HBO's v-p of licensing and retail. "The opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland's pivotal role in the life and legacy of the show and share its culture, beauty and warmth is also a huge inspiration behind these Legacy projects."

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, called the project a "game-changer for Northern Ireland on the global tourism level.... While fans have seen the stunning landscapes, coastlines and mountains in the series, we are thrilled they will now have the opportunity to fully experience the charm of Northern Ireland and immerse themselves into the world of Westeros."

Yiming Ma won the Guardian 4th Estate BAME Short Story Prize for "Swimmer of Yangtze," which "provides a brutal insight into the rise and fall of community heroes" as it "follows the disabled son of a tailor, a boy from a humble, nameless village near Wuhan in Cultural Revolution-era China, as he becomes an unlikely Paralympian hero." In addition to the cash prize, Ma receives a workshop with 4th Estate editorial, publicity and marketing teams.

Claire Armitstead, judge and culture associate editor for the Guardian, praised Ma's "impressively controlled and deeply melancholy story of an isolated rural community who look on in bemusement as one of their number is snatched from their midst to become an international sporting hero in an event that is beyond comprehension."

The National Book Foundation has announced the 2018 "5 Under 35" honorees, recognizing debut fiction writers under the age of 35 "whose work promises to leave a lasting impression on the literary landscape." They were selected by National Book Award winners, finalists, longlisted authors, or writers previously recognized by the 5 Under 35 program who have published their first and only book of fiction--either a short story collection or a novel--within the last five years. The winners receive $1,000 apiece.

"Each year, we take great pleasure in honoring five authors whose debut titles provide a first look at their exceptional talent as fiction writers," said NBF chairman David Steinberger. "It is with pride that we welcome these authors into the National Book Foundation family, watching and supporting them as they continue to publish in their careers, reaching even wider audiences and garnering additional acclaim." This year's 5 Under 35 honorees are:

Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, author of Friday Black (Mariner), selected by Colson Whitehead, 2016 NBA winner for fiction
Hannah Lillith Assadi, author of Sonora (Soho Press), selected by Claire Vaye Watkins, 2012 5 Under 35 honoree
Akwaeke Emezi, author of Freshwater (Grove Atlantic), selected by Carmen Maria Machado, 2017 NBA finalist for fiction
Lydia Kiesling, author of The Golden State (MCD Books/FSG), selected by Samantha Hunt, 2006 5 Under 35 honoree
Moriel Rothman-Zecher, author of Sadness Is a White Bird (Atria), selected by Bill Clegg, 2015 NBA longlist for fiction

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 October titles public library staff across the country love:

Favorite
The Proposal by Jasmine Guillory (Berkley, $15, 9780399587689). "A disastrous public wedding proposal results in a chance meeting between Nik and Carlos. What follows is a delightfully humorous and sweet story about two people falling for each other while remaining seemingly unaware of their blossoming romance. The book sets itself apart by portraying a self-aware, feminist woman who enjoys positive relationships with female friends. An engaging and upbeat multicultural romance." --LaNiesha Bowles, Boston Public Library, Boston, Mass.

The Clockmaker's Daughter: A Novel by Kate Morton (Atria, $28, 9781451649390). "Events that occurred in the late 19th century at Birchwood Manor cast their shadows over the next 150 years, with various mysterious voices explaining how those events affected their lives. Attentive readers will be rewarded as clues are revealed. Atmospheric and perfect for gothic fiction fans of Sarah Waters and Beatriz Williams." --Virginia Holsten, Vinton Public Library, Vinton, Iowa

Consumed by J.R. Ward (Gallery, $26.99, 9781501194900). "This first book in Ward's newest series featuring firefighters in New Brunswick, N.J., includes well-crafted macho heroes, tough female characters, and believable relationships. Readers will be excited to see where this series goes. For fans of Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood series and readers who like gritty and steamy suspense." --Kelsey Hudson, Middleton Public Library, Middleton, Wis.

The Dream Daughter: A Novel by Diane Chamberlain (St. Martin's Press, $27.99, 9781250087300). "In 1970, young and recently widowed Carly learns that the baby she is carrying has a fatal birth defect. Enter her quirky but lovable brother-in-law, who proposes a highly improbable solution: travel to the future where a medical procedure exists to save her unborn child. This twisty story with well-developed characters is highly recommended, but with a trigger warning for mothers. A good crossover title for domestic fiction and science fiction readers, and fans of Kristin Hannah, Jodi Picoult, and Chris Bohjalian." --Erica Naranjo, Sacramento Public Library, Sacramento, Calif.

The Library Book by Susan Orlean (Simon & Schuster, $28, 9781476740188). "An investigation of the fire that devastated the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986 evolves into a page-turning history of the immense impact libraries and books have had throughout time. Profoundly moving and enlightening, and a clear call to readers to appreciate and support their libraries. For readers who enjoy high-quality narrative nonfiction." --Jesica Sweedler DeHart, Neill Public Library, Pullman, Wash.

November Road: A Novel by Lou Berney (Morrow, $26.99, 9780062663849). "Set in the weeks just after JFK's assassination, a mob hit man on the run meets a woman who has just impulsively left her alcoholic husband. A beautifully written suspense novel that's hard to put down, with well-developed, sympathetic characters and plenty of intrigue. Fans of John Hart and Dennis Lehane will appreciate this fast-paced thriller." --Jill Smith, Bayport Public Library, Bayport, Minn.

One Day in December: A Novel by Josie Silver (Broadway, $16, 9780525574682). "An enjoyable page-turner, with a romance that begins with a chance connection at a bus stop and brews in secret over a number of years. More literary romance than chick-lit, this title would be a good choice for readers who enjoy books by Meg Donohue or Erica Bauermeister." --Marlyn Beebe, Long Beach Public Library, Long Beach, Calif.

Unsheltered: A Novel by Barbara Kingsolver (Harper, $29.99, 9780062684561). "Willa and her college professor husband made all the 'right' decisions, yet are nearing retirement holding an empty bag. The rise of the service economy, materialism, middle-class disenfranchisement, a labyrinthine health care system, immigration--even Charles Darwin--all factor into this relevant story about social upheaval and an ever-changing American Dream." --Lori Hench, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, Md.

Virgil Wander by Leif Enger (Grove Press, $27, 9780802128782). "Virgil Wander survives a car crash with some speech and memory problems, and encounters a kite-flying stranger searching for information about his long-lost son. Enger explores and intricately layers the feelings and stories of an entire town full of people, each trying to survive their own life-changing experiences. A good pick for readers who enjoy quirky characters and for fans of Kent Haruf." --Elizabeth Isabelle, DeKalb County Public Library System, DeKalb, Ga.

The Witch Elm: A Novel by Tana French (Viking, $28, 9780735224629). "This standalone novel has all the things readers love about the Dublin Murder Squad books--well developed characters, exquisite plotting, and deep explorations of human nature. Toby leads a charmed life with an idyllic childhood, a good family, a loving girlfriend, and promising prospects. But a vicious attack changes everything. Atmospheric, twisty, and perfect for readers who like Gillian Flynn or Kate Atkinson." --Laura Bovee, Chicopee Public Library, Chicopee, Mass.

A Spark of Light: A Novel by Jodi Picoult (Ballantine, $28.99, 9780345544988). "This harrowing and insightful novel unwinds backwards in time over the course of a day during a tense hostage situation at a Mississippi women's clinic and is told through multiple points of view: the gunman, the hostage negotiator, patients, clinic staff, and a right to life advocate. All sides of the abortion issue are explored with compassion through the characters' stories, helping readers empathize and connect. Fans of Picoult's issue-driven novels will not be disappointed." --Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, Mass.

The bestselling self-published books last week as compiled by IndieReader.com:

1. Secrets We Keep by Barbara Freethy
2. Once Upon a Real Good Time by Lauren Blakely
3. Dark Steel by Kathryn Le Veque
4. The Barefoot Wedding by Bella Andre writing as Lucy Kevin
5. Princess in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
6. The Twelfth Child by Bette Lee Crosby
7. The Her Billionaires Series Mega Boxed Set by Julia Kent
8. Rescuing the Earl by Lana Williams
9. A Firefighter's Christmas Gift by Vivian Arend
10. Dirty Headlines by LJ Shen

[Many thanks to IndieReader.com!]