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At Booka Bookshop |
One of my favorite responsibilities here is to help showcase the lighter side of bookselling in our "Notes" section, highlighting bookstore social media posts about displays, storefront window art, sidewalk chalkboards, and much more. These are aspects of the book trade that are at once fun and crucial for showcasing a bookstore's business.
During the holiday season, the number of posts that would qualify for such a focus increases dramatically, well beyond the space we have. It's like getting too many presents, if such a thing were conceivable. So in the hectic final run-up to Christmas, I want to take a moment to highlight some of the bounty of recent posts that reflect the spirit of both the season and indie booksellers everywhere. This is, truly, a brief sampling:
Booksellers Celebrating Bookishly
Plaid Elephant Books, Danville, Ky.: "Putting the TEA in TEAM! Last night, our Plaid Elephant Books team enjoyed holiday tea at Murrini Cafe together--and it was delicious. Major kudos to Lindley and her crew for the wonderful experience. There aren't words enough to express my appreciation for this amazing group that keeps the bookstore running."
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Blacksburg Books celebration |
Blacksburg Books, Blacksburg, Va.: "We work local, we play local! We had our holiday party tonight at two awesome local spots--there was sweating, possibly some cursing, and ice cream."
Wheatberry Books, Chillicothe, Ohio: "It was a weekend of celebration at Wheatberry Books! On Saturday, our wonderful staff enjoyed a delicious meal at The Pour House at Machinery Hall to celebrate Christmas together. On Sunday, our book clubs came together to exchange some of our favorite books and chow down at Fifty West Brewing. Nothing but gratitude for these groups of book lovers!"
Godmothers Books, Summerland, Calif.: "What a joy it was to gather for our first staff holiday party! Our team is the soul of everything we do--transforming Godmothers from a space into a true community. We're endlessly grateful for the warmth, creativity, and dedication each person brings."
The Mysterious Bookshop, New York, N.Y.: "Good times last night at our annual Mysterious Enterprises staff holiday dinner."
Booka Bookshop, Bridgenorth, U.K.: "We've got Merry Everything you need this Christmas. Visit us in Bridgnorth for great gifts and expert book recommendations from Leigh, Caroline and Hazel.... Falalalala."
Bookstore (& Book) Trees
Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ky.: "If you want to liven up your Christmas tree or need a fun gift, check out our array of ornaments available for purchase at our Bardstown Road location. Don't be shy in taking them off the tree to buy--that's what they're there for!"
The American Book Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands: "With boxes and boxes of books our elves Shirley, Joost, and Tiemen build this amazing Book Tree."
Bazoo Books, Sedalia, Mo.: "Come support our local youth by purchasing a book off our angel tree!"
The Magic of Books Bookstore, Seymour, Ind.: "You can judge the book tree if you want to, but a kid put it together so remember you'd be picking on a child."
Drake the Bookshop, Stockton-on-Tees, U.K.: "At this time of year there are few prettier things than a jaunty angled Christmas tree and books. And there are few better combos than Christmas trees and books for our Gift Of Reading project.... Thanks so much to everyone for their incredible support with this project."
Hedgehog.INK Bookstore & More, Fort Scott, Kan.: "[S]top by for a photo with Santa! Christmas on the Bricks, shopping, Santa at the bookstore... seems like something out of a Hallmark movie!"
Lion's Mouth Bookstore, Green Bay, Wis.: "Lion's Mouth has a banned book tree at the @nationalrailroadmuseum Festival of Trees!"
Park Road Books, Charlotte, N.C.: "Our book tree is filled with ornaments from Communities in Schools. Come in and buy a book for a child."
lala books, Lowell, Mass.: "We've got some nasty weather out there, but it's still feeling Christmassy at lala books!"
Books Mandala, Kathmandu, Nepal: "Have you started your 12.12 shopping spree yet?"
Storefront Window Art
Maze Bookstore, Rockford, Ill.: "Thank you for a wonderful Stroll on State, Rockford, it was so nice to see all of you today!"
Westbourne Bookshop, Bournemouth, U.K.: "Don't we look beautiful?"
An Unlikely Story, Plainville, Mass.: "Happy Holidays from An Unlikely Story! Amazing window art made by baristas Marley and Julien!"
The Island Bookshop, Venice, Fla.: "Tonight is the Christmas Walk! Great opportunity to kick off or continue your holiday shopping, see some beautiful holiday windows, and share in the festive holiday spirit! Your local downtown businesses will be open late this evening. We can't wait to see you!"
Sevenoaks Bookshop, Sevenoaks, U.K.: "We are so incredibly proud--Immy has won the Best Dressed Window Competition 2024 for our Christmas window display! After months of planning, building and crafting, she truly deserves this award. We are so lucky to have her on our team! We know she's the best, but now we have the certificate to prove it."
Dragon Tale Books, Menomonie, Wis.: "We are number 11 in the Parade of Lights."
Librairie de Beaux Lendemains, Bagnolet, France: "Oh les belles vitrines de Noël ! Mille mercis et bravos au génial Alëxone Dizac. Et big up au maestro Gilbert Mazout."
Buffalo Street Books, Ithaca, N.Y.: "What better spot on a rainy day than your cozy indie bookstore? Stop in and see us! P.S. If you like our windows, you can vote for us in the Downtown Ithaca holiday window contest."
More bookstore gifts to get you in the indie holiday spirit coming next week.