And we have a winner on Freezing Point's giveaway

Thanks to all the participants in the giveaway of 'Freezing Point' by Karen Dionne, following the review of the book last Monday.

Since this is an eco-thriller, we asked you to share with us the best thriller you have read.We got some great replies and we have a winner!

The winner is Renee, who recommended the following:

"I would have to say that the Cabinet of Curiosities by Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston is my favorite."

Congrats to Renee, who won a copy of 'Freezing Point'! We will also plant one tree for this book and add our sticker saying "One tree planted for this book".

Thanks also to all the other participants and we welcome you all to keep following our Monday's green books series as we have reviews of great green-themed books coming with giveaways. So stay tuned.

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris

www.ecolibris.net

On the love of independent bookstores - an interview with Kim Allen-Niesen of 'Bookstore People'

We love independent bookstores. We have about 25 of them in our bookstores program, which means customers at these stores have the opportunity to pay to plant a tree to balance each book they purchase in the store and receive our sticker at the counter. And we're not alone.

Bookstore People is a blog that is full with love and appreciation to independent bookstores. It's mission is to "highlight independent bookstores wherever we find them to encourage people to visit them and buy their books from them." This great blog is run by Claire LaZebnik and Kim Allen-Niesen, who share the love both to books and to bookstores.

I was very excited to learn about this blog and I asked one of its co-founders, Kim Allen-Niesen, to help us get to know Bookstore People and to learn more about the state of independent bookstores in these difficult times.

Hello, Kim. Can you tell us about your blog - how did you start it and why you chose to focus on independent bookstores?

Claire and I have known each other for years and whenever we see a new blog by women we always say, "we could have done that!" Last summer, we decided to go for it. We didn't have a topic, there was lots of discussion about motherhood and wine, but Claire is a writer and I'm a reader dipping my toe into writing so pretty quick we decided it would be a literary blog. I wrote an essay that I was sending out for rejection about how I always visit independent bookstores when I travel, Claire knew about the essay and suggested we build our blog around independent bookstores.

So how independent bookstores are doing these days? are they relatively more exposed to financial distress because of the downturn?

Times are hard for independent bookstores, they were hit by the big box stores, then the Internet and now the recession. They are closing across the country every week. However, it isn't a hopeless picture. Bookstores are also opening and expanding across the country. I see examples of stores broadening their activites to appeal to new customers. For example, Changing Hands in Tuscon organizes a hiking series which by their clientele attracts readers who tend to discuss books on the trail.

There is a growing movement started by the American Booksellers Association called Indiebound that equips and encourages bookstores to link with other independent businesses in their area and educate the public on the need for local, community based businesses. That movement is gaining ground. I've heard from more than one person that writing a blog about bookstores is beating a dead horse, but I'm seeing a vibrancy that is encouraging.

Kindle 2 was just launched two weeks ago - how do you see the influence of electronic content on independent bookstores? do you read ebooks at all?

My husband gave me the original Kindle for Christmas in 2007, I'm not a huge fan. I keep thinking I should try again, especially when I travel. I can't tell you how many times I've had to ask someone to help me put my carry-on in the overhead bin because it's so heavy with books. In my opinion, for independent bookstores to thrive they need to figure out how to participate in the e-book market.

Some publishers are doing that right now, HarperStudio will be offering e-book and audio book versions for $2 each if the customer buys the paper book. NelsonFree will give away the audio and e-book versions with the paper book. It is my understanding that the customer will buy the book in the bookstore and then buy or receive a code to get the other versions. I don't think the e-book will replace the paper book, but I do think it is here to stay.

All in all, how do you see the future of the book market? is it optimistic or gloomy?

It's in transition, there are certainly those who sing a funeral dirge for the publishing industry but again, I don't think so. Experts with far more knowledge than me think the publishing industry needs to cut out the fat, change some of their policies (eliminate returns, publish less frequently in hardbacks) and use digital technology to its fullest benefit.

I've seen several suggestions that the expectation of the level of profit in the industry needs a reality check. Ultimately, people aren't going to stop wanting stories and reading, but how that is done with the intertwining of new and old formats is far from decided, but the industry must learn to re-vamp to meet new challenges and demands.

What is your favorite independent bookstore?

The Gallery Bookshop in Mendocino, CA, it is where I dream of living and working when life is too crazy. It is one of the first bookstores I wrote on the blog, http://www.bookstorepeople.com/?s=mendocino, and it is the bookstore I write most frequently about in other forums.

What's the best thing that ever happened to you in a bookstore?

Actually, it happens over and over again, the thrill of wandering through marvelous books and finding a terrific one that I've never heard of before. Those actually are my favorite bookstore experiences, when I talk to someone at the store and they recommend to me a book the store is handselling. It occurred most recently at Laguna Beach Books, the owner recommended Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda, a book that was new to me and that the store had hand sold 550 copies last year. I left completely thrilled.

Will you ever be caught at Barnes & Noble?

In a pinch, I was in one last night actually. It was 9PM and we needed to pick up the next Rabbit book by Updike so there was only one option, B & N. However, whenever the cashier asks if I am a member of their "club," I answer no and then tell them how I feel about businesses requiring their customers to pay to be in a club to receive a discount.

You're an avid reader, but also a fan of bookstores, so I can't avoid this question - what you like more, books or bookstores?

Whenever I'm in a bookstore I usually tell myself that I should be spending the time reading not shopping, but I can't stop myself. Thank goodness it's books I like shopping for rather than shoes or jewelry, or we'd be in the poor house. There is a similarity between the rush of browsing in a good bookstore and reading a great book, although for me reading is far more solitary an activity because I'm talking to people in the bookstore (I talk to customers about the books they are picking and the staff about their business wherever I am, I've even stopped by tables in restaurants to ask people what they're reading and what they think of the book). So, I'm stalling because my head says I like books more and my heart says no, it's the bookstores.

You're also a writer - what are you working on now?

Claire is the true writer, her novel The Smart One and the Pretty One came out last September and was just sent out for another printing, it's selling very well. Yesterday, Growing Up on the Spectrum: A Guide to Life, Love, and Learning for Teens and Young Adults with Autism and Asperger’s that Claire co-wrote was officially published. She has one novel that she has been working furiously on and she recently sent it to her agent to begin the outside editing process. She is very excited about writing her first book in a new genre, young adult.

Thank you, Kim!

You're welcome to read Bookstore People at www.bookstorepeople.com

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Reminder: tell us what's your favorite thriller and you can win a copy of the eco-thriller 'Freezing Point'

If you're a fan of thrillers and cares about the environment, here's an offer you can't refuse: tell us what's you're favorite thriller and you can win a copy of a great eco-thriller: 'Freezing Point' by Karen Dionne, who was praised as called "the new Michael Crichton".

One more day is left to this giveaway, so check out our review of the book from last Monday and add a comment with your favorite thriller right here or on the original post. Submissions are accepted until Sunday, March 22, 12PM EST. The winner will be announced the following day.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

We have winners on our newsletter's special giveaways!

The March issue of our newsletter was released on Thursday with a special offer that included 3 great prizes: Into the Great Outdoors DVD/Book/CD Set, a copy of "Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa" by Jeanette Winter and a set of Every Man Jack's Body Bars.

The prizes were awarded to the first three subscribers that balanced out books on our website following the release of the newspaper. Congratulations to the winners!

We invite you all to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. We will continue to have special offers to our subscribers and it's very simple - all you have to do is just to sign up, using the box on the right side of the page saying 'Join Our Email List' and that's it.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

Green Options - Book Review: True Green Home by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin

As part of Eco-Libris' ongoing content partnership with Green Options Media, we feature a post that was originally published by Justin Van Kleeck on March 9 on Sustainablog. Today's post is a review of a new green book that will help making your home a green home.

Living a low-impact, eco-friendly life often boils down to simplicity and sheer common sense. Just follow the old proverb “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” and you will be a long way towards minimizing your impact on the environment.

But sometimes consuming less and acting with a green heart still leaves much in the “gray area” of wastefulness and pollution. To help make your life at home as green as can be, Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin compile 100 great eco-tips in True Green Home. Part of the National Geographic True Green series, True Green Home serves as an accessible introduction to the countless areas of your home that can be either eco-friends or eco-foes.

It is also a great “cheat sheet,” as the authors call it, by combining comprehensiveness with brevity and generality.1 That is, you get a lot of quick glimpses into where your home (or apartment) might be wasting resources and some basic steps you can take to reduce your environmental footprint. (Nearly every page has more space devoted to a photo than words.)

Launch party of "Earth in the Hot Seat" at Hooray for Books!

What are you doing on March 29? If you're anywhere near Old Alexandria, VA (just 20 minutes by the metro from Washington DC), you are welcome to visit a great signing event at Hooray for Books!

Hooray for Books! is a very special children's bookstore in Old Alexandria, VA. They're also taking part in our bookstores program and offer their customers to plant trees with us for the books they purchase at the store. And on March 29 they will host a launch party from 3-5 p.m. for award-winning author Marfé Ferguson Delano's new book, Earth In The Hot Seat: Bulletins from a Warming World.

Here are the details:

Earth in the Hot Seat: Bulletins from a Warming World
National Geographic Children's Books, March 2009

The Earth is getting warmer, and while the planet will survive this, many of its inhabitants may not, not if we can't slow the tons of carbon pouring into our atmosphere. Earth in the Hot Seat clearly explains the phenomenon of and the science behind global warming. It uses real people and real-life examples to report from the front lines of the fight to protect our warming planet. It explores the challenges—and the opportunities—presented by climate change…. Most important, it inspires us to care about the planet. It's the only one we've got.

Marfe Ferguson Delano, an author living in Alexandria, VA, has written numerous award-winning National Geographic books. Hooray For Books! at 1555 King St in Alexandria, VA, is pleased to host a book-signing party for her newest book, Earth in the Hot Seat, on Sunday, March 29, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and includes light refreshments. Anyone who would like an autographed book but is unable to attend the book-launch party should call Hooray For Books! at 703-548-4092 to order her book for autographing and mailing (or later pickup at the store.)

You're all invited!

Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris.net

The state of green printing: An interview with Deb Bruner of Pinnacle Press

We're constantly talking about the need of the book industry to increase its efforts to lower its environmental impacts and adopt greener practices. At the same time, we try to do a reality check every couple of months and learn from those who actually print the books how things are doing.

Last January we had an interview with Greg Barber of Greg Barber Company, who shared with us insights on what it means to be a green printer. Today we have the pleasure to host another experienced green printer, Deb Bruner of Pinnacle Press.

Deb Bruner serves in Pinnacle Press as director of book publishing and eco-friendly initiatives. She has more than 25 years experience in the publishing, paper and printing industries. Prior to Pinnacle, Bruner worked as the director of book publishing papers for New Leaf Paper, the environmentally friendly paper merchant, where she managed mill relationships and developed sales opportunities.

As you can see, Bruner has a vast experience with a specific focus on green printing, so we decided there's no better person to get our current update from. We also wanted to learn more about Pinnacle Press of St. Louis, MO, which is well-known for its quality services and commitment to the environment.

We hope you will enjoy this opportunity to learn what's going on in one of the major fronts of the book industry - the printing machines.

Hello, Deb. Could you describe please Pinnacle’s efforts to go green?

Pinnacle Press was the first book component printer to start stocking a recycled sheet for book jackets at price parity with virgin stock. We started doing this back around 2002 or 2003 due to customer demand from the university press community; presses like Cornell University Press wanted a recycled coated sheet for book jackets to help them meet their recycled paper commitments to Green Press Initiative.

It’s worth noting that the stock we continue to offer at price parity is New Leaf Paper’s Primavera Gloss, which is 80% recycled/60% pcw/FSC-certified/PCF and manufactured with Green-e Certified energy. It is also one of the very few sheets on the market to carry the Ancient Forest Friendly logo, which is awarded by Markets Initiative in Canada.

Two years ago we started stocking Kallima C2S, a board stock for covers, at price parity with virgin paper. This stock contains 10% pcw and is FSC-certified.

Whether or not our customers ask for recycled paper, we use these papers on all our jackets and covers since there is no premium to consider.

In addition to our recycled paper stocking program, we are an FSC-certified plant. We are also an AmerenUE Pure Power Business Leader and an EPA Green Power Partner.

Within our plant and offices, we have comprehensive recycling programs in place and continue to look for ways to incorporate more earth-friendly practices, including the elimination of Styrofoam coffee cups and using ceramic coffee mugs instead.

What is the biggest value Pinnacle gains from its eco-friendly practices?

Incorporating eco-friendly practices and offering eco-friendly products serves our business and customers well. Regardless of whether customers ask us for recycled paper on their projects, we take pride in our efforts to be environmentally responsible at the corporate level. Through breakfast “green sessions” at our plant, through our active participation at publisher meetings, and through our involvement with organizations such as the Book Industry Environmental Council, we strive to educate publishers and other customers on green products and practices so they can become more knowledgeable. The “green marketplace” is constantly evolving and we must stay up with it.

What responses does Pinnacle receive from customers when we tell them about our green practices? Does it make a difference for them?

Some customers come to us because of our green practices and paper offerings. Others are happy to learn about our practices and paper offerings and will try and use recycled and/or FSC-certified papers if they’re able, even if there is a premium involved (e.g. on special orders). Of course, there are customers who come to us strictly for pricing or other reasons and are not interested in green options. That is ok. We let our customers know that we are a resource for them regardless of their particular needs or interests.

You hear a lot these days that the price of recycled paper is decreasing; is there still a premium you need to pay for printing on recycled paper?

From my experience, which includes over 20 years in publishing as well as approximately 5 years in the paper industry and printing, paper prices are all over the map when it comes to recycled or FSC-certified papers. Whether coated or uncoated, some high pcw sheets are less expensive than lower pcw sheets.

For the most part, there does seem to be a bit of a premium on many eco-friendly papers, but because the availability of such papers has been increasing for several years, the competition has made pricing more competitive. Virgin paper, because it’s made on larger machines and on a larger scale, still remains the less expensive option for the most part.

As has been said many times, greater demand (for eco-friendly stocks) will increase availability and as such drive down prices. Since much of our domestically collected wastepaper fiber is shipped overseas to China and elsewhere, I remain curious as to how that will affect pricing over the long term. When we quote a job, we look at various papers and present our customers with a few options. Sometimes a sheet with 10% pcw will cost more than a sheet with 50% pcw. It’s never clear cut so we have to do our homework in looking for the best priced option.

What are the main issues that prevent more publishers and others who print with Pinnacle to use recycled paper?

Since we offer our cover and jacket stock at price parity with virgin, there is no price issue for publishers, but when we have to special order a paper (for a catalog, for example), some publishers just won’t pay more for a green sheet no matter how small the premium. In today’s economy every penny counts more than ever.

Back in the 1990s (and even earlier) the quality of recycled papers (particularly the brightness levels in coated) would often be an obstacle to using recycled (at least for a majority of designers) but now there are very bright recycled papers on the market and I don’t encounter any quality concerns at all.

I do find that sometimes customers need to be reminded that recycled or FSC papers can be an option for them; some still are on “auto pilot” when it comes to sticking with virgin. They have a “workhorse” sheet and just don’t think outside the box.

Does Pinnacle print on demand? If so, do we see a growing demand for POD in comparison with the “regular” printing model?

Yes, we do 4/c POD and short-run work on our Indigo Presses. We do see an increase in using this technology, and part of that comes from our efforts to inform our customers as to how this technology can best serve them. I will frequently show our customers the quality of our Indigo work and end up brainstorming with them about projects – it can be a lot of fun.

Pricing and quality are first and foremost our customers’ concerns when it comes to this technology. We have found that more and more eco-friendly papers are available to run on the Indigos and customers have been appreciative of that.

What are the current trends we see in the market with respect to green printing?

When I was working for New Leaf Paper prior to joining Pinnacle, I saw a demand for more and more FSC-certified papers; in fact, the demand for FSC-certified stock seemed to be bigger than for recycled. More and more printers are getting FSC-certified, and they are also carrying other certifications as well, such as from SFI or PEFC.

I have heard that some printers are not renewing their FSC certification due to economic reasons given the current state of our economy, but I don’t yet know how widespread that is. Again, printers follow demand, so where customers are asking for green papers, printers will offer them. When customers express an interest in a printer’s operations in regards to how green it is, printers take notice.

What is the influence of the economic downturn on green printing?

For anyone not fully invested (for philosophical or other reasons) in being green, belt-tightening will rule the day and some green options or processes may disappear if money can be saved by using alternatives. At the same time, I think most people are aware that being good environmental stewards is more important than ever and we have to consider our global footprint.

My feeling is that so many of us in the publishing and book printing industry are now so invested with such organizations as Green Press Initiative and the Book Industry Environmental Council that we will continue to “green up” and not let eco-friendly policies and practices fall by the wayside. . . .

Do you see the electronic book as a threat to our business?

I do not.

Thank you Deb! You can learn more about Pinnacle Press at their website - www.pinnaclepress.com

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
www.ecolibris. net