Novel Places started 2 years ago by Patrick Darby who has almost 30 years experience in book retail. The store started as an antiquarian online store, but recently, new titles and accessories were added. The rekindled Literary Society restarted by Patrick last year is a book group by today's standards, which help promote the store. Patrick tries to emulate the history of the Society, which dates back to 1833!) by inviting authors to read and talkabout their books. The plan is to include unpublished authors to getfeedback on their creations.
The books offered by Novel Places can also be found at Mayorga Coffee (23207 Stringtown Road Clarksburg, MD). The online store offers a community forum to discuss issues and books. Patrick says he designed it the way he would want his brick and mortar store to be like - a place where people can come and relax by a fire or in a comfy chair for conversation, reading, and purchasing a good book. And now there's also going to be there the opportunity to plant a tree with every book you purchased with Eco-Libris. Customers will be receiving our sticker (made of recycled paper) saying "one tree planted for this book" with every new book purchased at Novel Places.
Patrick is also very involved with the local community and the businesses in Clarksburg - he is the president of the Clarksburg Chamber of Commerce, which is focused on going green in the community and the businesses. Their logo has a green circle to represent an eco-friendly community, and their events and forums incorporate environmental programs as much as possible. For example, they're launching a shop local campaign to inform people about the advantages financially, for the environment, and the convenience.
This Saturday (June 7) you can also find Novel Places in a a special local event in Clarksburg, MD - Clarksburg Day, celebrating the founding of Clarksburg 256 years ago. There will be a lot of activities there and Novel Places will be offering a selection from antiquarian to new releases. The event will take place at the Clarksburg High School and Recreation Center on the corner of Frederick and Wims Road in Clarksburg, MD from 10am - 4pm.
Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris
Raz @ Eco-Libris