Five tips for a greener bookstore

This guest post was written by Sarah Murray

More and more businesses are incorporating greener practices into to their offices and workspaces. From recycling and buying eco-friendly products to reducing light pollution and offsetting carbon emissions, big and small businesses are doing their part to help the environment. In 2011, a study by MIT suggested that sustainable practices are now a part of 70% of corporate agendas*. Not only do these practices have a positive impact on the environment but many businesses have also seen an increase in profits as customers are more likely to purchase from or work with a company that implements green practices.

Bookstores are by no means exempt from such eco practices and many have implemented greener initiatives. If you’d like to make your bookstore eco-friendly or  are simply looking for more ways to increase or build on your greener initiatives, here’s some simple tips to help you on your way!

Recycle posters

Working at a bookstore, I remember so many promotional posters being thrown out. However, I also remember many customers asking if they could have particular posters when we were finished with them. Reduce paper wastage by selling old posters, you’ll be surprised at how many people would love to hang up a poster about the latest Jack Reacher novel or Sandman graphic novel. Alternatively, if you can’t sell posters, ensure you make a concerted effort to recycle the posters but using them in some form in the store or starting a paper recycling bin (if one doesn’t exist).

Use low wattage bulbs

Most business and homes now use energy saving bulbs. This is particularly prevalent in the UK with inefficient bulbs being phased out in favour of energy saving ones. If you’re still using high wattage bulbs, consider swapping for more energy efficient ones. Not only will they save you money in the long run but they’re also better for books as bright lights can often fade and yellow pages.

Stock environmentally friendly products

Support your bookstore’s eco-friendly practices by stocking products from businesses who also implement greener strategies. Whether its products which have been created ethically, such as pencils made with recycled materials, or books whose publishers aim to reduce their energy usage, such as Penguin, supporting these businesses will increase your green status, furthering your eco-friendliness!

Print on demand

This service is popular among universities (often the leaders in eco-friendly bookstores) who offer the service for certain text books or courses papers which don’t need to be stocked in bulk. While this may not apply for commercial bookstores it’s still an interesting practice to instill, even just among printer friendly staff! Instead of taking this literally, implement this as a motto for your business. If you distribute a newsletter or send reminders for customers to collect an ordered book do it via email so you’re not wasting paper.

Implement reusable carrier bags

Like many supermarkets, bookstores should also encourage their customers to use re-usable bags. If you still stock plastic bags in store, consider charging a small fee for them to encourage customers to bring their own. Alternatively, offer an incentive to those who do bring their own bags, you could give a stamp for every time they bring their own bag and when they collect a certain number they can have a small gift or a percentage off their next purchase. 
Let us know, have you got any other ideas for making your bookstore eco-friendly?

*Statistic from Earth Share.org
Image credit: Spot Cool Stuff.com

Author bio:

Bookworm Sarah Murray works for Appliances Online. When she’s not reading the latest crime thriller she enjoys nothing more than browsing through the shelves of a well-stocked bookstore. Follow her life on Twitter.

Boneshaker Books, a great new bookstore in Minneapolis, is joining Eco-Libris program!

We are happy to update you on a new bookstore, Boneshaker Books of Minneapolis, MN that has joined our bookstore program.

The store was opened in January 2011 and now customers at Boneshaker Books can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive Eco-Libris "One tree planted for this book" sticker (made of recycled paper) at the counter!

Here are some more details on Boneshaker Books:

Boneshaker Books is an all-volunteer independent bookstore in south Minneapolis. They opened their doors in January of 2011, and specialize in progressive/radical literature, zines, children's books, and fiction. We want to inspire solidarity by offering a warm, comfortable place where everyone is welcome. Boneshaker also offers free bicycle book delivery and is home to the Women's Prison Book Project, a program that mails books to women prisoners all over the country.

Come check them out at:
2002 23rd Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-871-7110
Open 11am to 8pm daily! You're also welcome to visit them on Facebook.

(Photo: Boneshaker Books, Boneshaker Books Grand Opening!)

Another great bookstore in Minneapolis that is on our bookstore program is Eye of Horus, the metaphysical store, Mythic Art Gallery and Labyrinth nested between the Wedge and Uptown areas of South Minneapolis.

A full list of all the stores that participate in our bookstores program can be found here: http://www.ecolibris.net/bookstores.asp

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

Children's Nature Guide, a new educational website, is collaborating with Eco-Libris

We are happy to announce a new collaboration with Children's Nature Guide, a new website for families and children with the goal of making nature study and environmental stewardship as fun as it is educational. The site was created by Joseph Yurt, environmentalist, author, and nature educator.

The new website was launched on December 1st and includes a bookstore with "green" books for children, such as KK's Hope: For Humankind and Home by Josef Partners, Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey, Little Bear by Else Holmelund Minarik,Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey and Salamander Room by Anne Mazer.

And now the website's bookstore is joining Eco-Libris bookstores program and will offer the store's customers the opportunity to plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our "One tree planted for this book" sticker with their new book!

Here is more about Children's Nature Guide:

www.ChildrensNatureGuide.comis a new website for families and children with the goal of making nature study and environmental stewardship as fun as it is educational. The site was created by Joseph Yurt, environmentalist, author, and nature educator.

Kids can interact with the site in various fun ways, including following the diary entries of Ari, a young girl gray squirrel. Children can share their comments with her and email her with nature questions. Parents Pages provide guidance, ideas, books and other resources for creating a nature rich environment for kids in the home and outside.

Interactive experiences also include an Animal Icon Click-on Field Trip, a JustForKidsLibrary, submissions to KidsWrite, book and website reviews written by adults and kids, KidServe, giving opportunities and Service Grants to help kids make a difference in their community and in the world, and ChildrensNatureGuide Roots & Shoots environmental stewardship group for families.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: Promoting Sustainable Reading!

My Summer Reading with Sue Schrader of the bookstore Sources of Hope

The second guest today on our series My Summer Reading is Sue Schrader of Sources of Hope in Dallas, Texas. This gifts and books store is part of the Cathedral of Hope and also participates in our bookstores program, where customers at the store can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our sticker at the counter!

Hi Sue, what are you reading now?
Artifacts by Mary Anna Evans

Any recommendation on a good summer reading?
Light fiction – no specific titles

What you are planning to read this summer?
Have several books at home, but can’t remember titles.

What is your favorite place to read in the summer?
Same as in the winter—at meals, waiting in line or on appointments, on the couch.

Thanks Sue!

More information on Sources of Hope can be found at http://www.sourcesofhope.com/

So far on My Summer Reading series:

Christian Valentiner of the Norwegian publisher Flux

Avrim Topel, co-author of 'My Green Beginnings'

Tania Hershman, author of 'The White Road and Other Stories'

Elisabeth Baines, author of the upcoming book 'Too Many Magpie'

Erica Caldwell of the bookstore Present Tense

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: promoting green publishing

Amazon did great on the first quarter. Can it also help the book industry to go green now?

Amazon.com announced yesterday its first quarter (Jan-Mar 2009) financial results and not surprisingly it did very well and even managed to beat Wall Street expectations.

Here are some key figures from Amazon's press release:

Net sales increased 18% to $4.89 billion in the first quarter, compared with $4.13 billion in first quarter 2008.

Operating income increased 23% to $244 million in the first quarter, compared with $198 million in first quarter 2008.

Net income increased 24% to $177 million in the first quarter, or $0.41 per diluted share, compared with net income of $143 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, in first quarter 2008.

So how come other companies both in the book industry (as well as outside the industry of course) are struggling so much and Amazon is doing so well? well, there are couple of good reasons:

1. The Kindle factor - Jeff Bezos, Amazon's CEO is quoted on their press release saying "We’re grateful and excited that Kindle sales have exceeded our most optimistic expectations." Now, Amazon didn't release new sales numbers, but according to a couple of estimations we discussed earlier this year when Kindle 2 was released it can be very substantial. In any event, the Kindle definitely helps to generate a positive buzz around Amazon and generate a positive sentiment.

2. The weakness of Brick and mortar companies - Imran Khan, an analyst at JP Morgan told the New York Times that "Brick-and-mortar companies are going bankrupt and going out of business altogether and that is helping Amazon gain market share".

3. According to Reuters, Bezos also said shoppers enrolled in the Amazon Prime discount shipping program were boosting growth, as they were picking up goods across multiple categories.

I don't know if Amazon actually sold more books on the first quarter in comparison with the first quarter of 2008. Books are part of the media segment, which we know that rose in 7% this quarter to $2.7 billion sales. But we don't know more than it, so we could only estimate and my estimation is that there was probably a modest growth, which is also impressive in the current economic environment.

The last but not least point I wanted to make is regarding the carbon reduction goals of the book industry we discussed here on Wednesday. As Amazon gains a greater importance in the book industry, I thought of an idea that could generate a stronger incentive for the publishers to meet their goals (and I'm leaving the impact of selling more e-books aside for a moment, as this is still inconclusive).

My suggestion is that Amazon will provide better pricing to publishers that will meet certain carbon reduction goals. As the biggest bookstore, a carbon-based pricing can definitely drive publishers to put more efforts into their carbon reduction attempts.

It makes sense if we look at it through the ultimate test of 'creating a shared value' - publishers will gain more profits with better pricing on sales of their books and Amazon can gain by strengthening the green side of its image and attracting more customers that will feel good about being part of such a program and supporting the environment without the need to pay any premium. Looks like a win-win model to me.

I can only hope Amazon will take the challenge of leading the book industry not only by sales, but also with the efforts to reduce the industry's carbon footprint and make reading more sustainable.

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

The Garden Gate Shop is celebrating the sale of the 1000th Eco-Libris sticker!

We reported couple of times in the past about the Garden Gate Shop in the Missouri Botanical Garden (check here and here), which is taking part in our bookstores program.

The store's wonderful staff has been extremely creative and effective in finding ways to promote our partnership. And now they're celebrating an important milestone: The sale of the 1000th Eco-Libris sticker!

The 1000th sticker was sold yesterday by Sheena (in the photo above), who is also holding the store's all time record - she sold 503 stickers!

We would like to thank Sheena and the rest of the Garden Gate Shop's great staff for their wonderful work, their dedication and commitment to supporting the environment!

And of course, we invite you all to visit this beautiful botanical garden (it's the nation's oldest botanical garden) and the shop. The Garden Gate Shop is a great place to find plants, garden accessories, home furnishings, merchandise... and books on related subjects.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is conveniently located off I-44, and is easily accessible from the major highways in the area.4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110. Automated events hotline: (314) 577-9400, 1-800-642-8842.

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

My Green Resolution for 2009 - Novel Places

Our journey in search of green resolutions for the new year brings us today to Novel Places in Maryland. We have the pleasure to host the owner of this bookstore, Patrick Darby.

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 books offered by Novel Places can be found online and also at Mayorga Coffee and Green Earth Goods at Clarksburg, MD.

Novel Places is also participating in Eco-Libris' bookstores program, where customers at the store can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our sticker at the counter!

Hello Patrick. What is your green resolution for 2009?
My Green Resolution for 2009:
Buy bulk as much as possible to cut down the amount of packaging.

What's your green wish for 2009?
My 2009 wish is for people to reduce travel time by shopping local
(and help me and my fellow businesses succeed).

Other greetings for the New Year?
Instead of greetings, I want to suggest these 2 recently released
books, "Greentailing" and "You are Here", available through Novel Places.

Greentailing and Other Revolutions in Retail: Hot Ideas That Are Grabbing Customers' Attention and Raising Profits
$29.95
ISBN - 0470288582

You Are Here: Exposing the Vital Link Between What We Do and What That Does to Our Planet
A leading environmental journalist travels to the most fragile places on Earth to show how what individuals do at home affects people, places, and things across the globe.
$25.95
ISBN - 0061580368

Any other plans for 2009 you would like to share with our readers?
Plans are continuing (slowly) to build an eco-friendly bookstore.

Thanks, Patrick!

To learn more about the books available at Novel Places, please check their website at http://www.novelplacesusa.com

So far on "My Green Resolution for 2009":

Erica Caldwell of Present Tense

Bart Babek of AboutMyPlanet.com

Angela Wieck of EcoBrain

Author Amy Guth of the Pilcrow Lit Fest and So New Publishing

Dr. Anne Hallum of the International Alliance for Reforestation (AIR)

Surendra James Conti of East West Bookstore

Jennifer Taylor of GreetQ

Bill Roth, author of "On Empty (Out of Time)"

Vonda Schaefer of Valley Books

Madeline Kaplan, author of "Planet Earth Gets Well"

Chris Flynn of Torpedo

Edain Duguay of Wyrdwood Publications

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

My Green Resolution for 2009 - Present Tense

Today we visit a great independent bookstore in our search for green resolutions and greetings for 2009. We're happy to have with us Erica Caldwell, the owner of Present Tense.

Located in Batavia, NY, halfway between the cities of Buffalo and Rochester, Present Tense is a locally-owned independent bookstore that serves as a center for reading, writing, and the arts in Western New York. Present Tense is also participating in Eco-Libris' bookstores program, where customers at the store can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our sticker at the counter!

Hello Erica. What is your green resolution for 2009?
Our green resolution for 2009 is to keep looking for ways to reduce our business's impact on the environment. We carry a lot of local products, which reduces transportation needs. We also carry several lines of eco-friendly products, which we hope to expand this year.

We've made other changes too, like using only biodegradable, compostable beverage cups during store events, giving our paper (and we generally have lots of it!) to the local school to recycle as part of their fundraising program, and switching our cleaning products to environmentally friendly brands. This year, we hope to continue these small changes and if we are thinking green, I'm sure we'll find more areas were we can implement eco-friendly practices into our business.

This year, Present Tense is co-sponsoring the second annual Earth Day Art Contest, which encourages people of all ages in our community to write, draw, sculpt, knit, or otherwise craft a piece of art that reflects the spirit of Earth Day. We have prize categories for different types of media, ages, and use of recycled materials in the artwork. Last year we had over 100 entries in our first year of holding the contest, and we are looking forward to this year's entries as well!

Thanks Erica!

For more information on Present Tense please visit their website at www.presenttensebooks.com. You're also welcome to read the interview I made with her last September.

So far on "My Green Resolution for 2009":

Bart Babek of AboutMyPlanet.com

Angela Wieck of EcoBrain

Author Amy Guth of the Pilcrow Lit Fest and So New Publishing

Dr. Anne Hallum of the International Alliance for Reforestation (AIR)

Surendra James Conti of East West Bookstore

Jennifer Taylor of GreetQ

Bill Roth, author of "On Empty (Out of Time)"

Vonda Schaefer of Valley Books

Madeline Kaplan, author of "Planet Earth Gets Well"

Chris Flynn of Torpedo

Edain Duguay of Wyrdwood Publications

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

My Green Resolution for 2009 - East West Bookstore

Today our search for 2009 green resolutions and wishes bring us to the heart of Silicon Valley. East West Bookstore is located in the beautiful city Mountain View in California, and we are very happy to host Surendra James Conti, the manager of the store.

East West Bookshop is a resource center for the art of conscious living. It opens doors to self-discovery, higher awareness and true understanding. East West Bookshop is participating in Eco-Libris' bookstores program, where customers at the store can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our sticker at the counter!

Hello Surendra. What are your green wishes and resolutions for 2009?

East West has been committed to the greening of America since our opening in 1980. Whether in times of prosperity or recession, it is vital that we, as a nation and individually, serve the causes that promote a healthy planet. Eco-Libris is a concept that deserves our support, and we urge every reader to invest an extra dollar in its noble purpose when purchasing a book. A little goes a long way.

Thanks, Surendra!

East West Bookstore is located at 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, California 94041. You are welcome to visit their website - www.eastwest.com. You're also invited to read the interview with Surendra we published last April.

So far on "My Green Resolution for 2009":

Jennifer Taylor of GreetQ

Bill Roth, author of "On Empty (Out of Time)"

Vonda Schaefer of Valley Books

Madeline Kaplan, author of "Planet Earth Gets Well"

Chris Flynn of Torpedo

Edain Duguay of Wyrdwood Publications

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

My Green Resolution for 2009 - Valley Books

Our journey to learn about our partners' green resolutions for 2009 takes us today to a little town in California named Sovlang (which means "Sunny field" in Danish). There you can find Valley Books, which is owned by Vonda Schaefer, our guest for today.

Opened in February 2008, Valley Books is a friendly new and used bookstore and cafe in the little Danish town of Solvang, California. Valley Books is participating in Eco-Libris' bookstores program, where customers at the store can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our sticker at the counter!

Hello Vonda. What is your green resolution for 2009?

Our green resolution is to become a certified green business through the county of Santa Barbara – this is a new program they have begun.

Valley Books has some other fun resolutions:

To promote our new Sunday Night Soup Nights (local, healthy soups and bakery-fresh bread). We are promoting: “Eat Healthy, Eat Local, Eat Together.” We will also be seeking out even more talented local musicians for our Saturday Nights “Beat’N’Treats.” This is live music and specialty desserts prepared by a local pastry chef.

Thanks, Vonda!

You can read more on Vonda and Valley Books on an article that was published few weeks ago on the Santa Ynez Valley Journal - http://www.santaynezvalleyjournal.com/archive/6/51/3465.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

A special offer from Strand Book Store!

You think the holiday season is over? not at Strand Book Store, where you can get a free holiday tote bag with the purchase of two books.

We are very proud in our collaboration with Strand Book Store, New York's independent landmark book store. Strand are taking part in our bookstore program and customers at the store can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our sticker at the counter!

We have just received from Strand greetings for the New Year and information on this great (and green) offer:

The Strand Book Store wishes all Eco-Libris partners & readers a Happy 2009!

Our gift to you… a free holiday tote bag.

With purchase of two books, receive a FREE holiday tote bag, just click HERE to redeem your gift online or print the page and bring it to our 828 Broadway @ 12^th Street NYC store to redeem your gift in person.

Hurry! Offer expires January 15, 2009. Limit one tote bag per customer, please.

Thank you Strand for this great offer! You're welcome to check out their website at http://www.strandbooks.com to learn more about the books offered at their website. Also don't forget to take a look at their events list - http://www.strandbooks.com/app/www/p/calendar.

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

Eco-Libris' Bookstores Series: an interview with Erica Caldwell of Present Tense

Eco-Libris' bookstores program keeps growing and currently includes 26 bookstores in the U.S., Ireland and Canada. Customers at these bookstores have the opportunity to pay $1 to plant a tree to balance each book they purchase there. Customers will also receive an Eco-Libris sticker (made of recycled paper) at the counter for each book they balance out, saying 'One tree planted for this book'.

On our bookstores series we present you with the bookstores that are taking part in the program and the people behind them. Today we have the pleasure to present you with Present Tense of Batavia, NY (halfway between the cities of Buffalo and Rochester) and its owner, Erica Caldwell, whom we interviewed here.

Hello Erica. It's great to have you with us here. When Present Tense was opened? how long you are with the store?

Present Tense opened in August 2005. I have been the owner since we opened.

What you like the most about Present Tense?

I like that we are located in an old house that once belonged to a writer, John H. Yates, who was quite famous in the early 1900s. I'm proud that we are not only providing books to people in the area but that we are also helping preserve a piece of local history.

I saw you offer some special services in the store. Can you tell me a little bit about it?

Present Tense offers a full suite of book related services including special orders, out of print searches, gift certificates, book club pre-orders, and a frequent reader discount. Our Volumes program offers special pricing and discounts for corporate, non-profit, and educational organizations.

In store, we offer complimentary gift wrapping and free wireless Internet access. In addition, we welcome community groups to use our Yates Gallery if they need a place to meet.

What do people like most about the store?

People are thrilled that they no longer have to drive half an hour to the nearest metropolitan area to buy books. Our customers are very excited to have a bookstore right here in town now.

You have many events in the store, including book parties, book group meeting, signing events and more. What is the most popular type of event?

Our book discussion groups are wonderful and they attract so many insightful, intelligent, and friendly people to our store. They have become so popular that we now offer two adult groups and one for young adults. Many of our author events are well attended, particularly if they feature local authors, and a few events that have included local history have been well received. I think our customers are very proud of this region and are interested in learning more about its past.

Are there any relationship between the store and the local library/ies?

We work with the local libraries to cross-promote events, and we work closely with them to make the community reading program a success each year. I have also done a few reviews for their weekly book review program.

What is the best selling book right now? What is the all times best selling book?

The Twilight books by Stephenie Meyer have been big sellers this summer and so has The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima. Our best selling book since we've opened is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling.

What would be your favorite book in the store?

I can't pick just one! My favorite book that I've read recently is The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer, my favorite young adult book right now is The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, and The Spanish Bow by Andromeda Romano-Lax, A Sudden Country by Karen Fisher, So Brave, Young, and Handsome by Leif Enger, and The Secret River by Kate Grenville are ones I am an advocate for if customers ask for recommendations.

Any special message you want to send to book lovers in Batavia, NY?

Thank you for supporting us for the past three years!


So if you're anywhere near Batavia, NY you're invited to visit the store (101 Washington Avenue, Batavia, NY 14020). You won't regret it! And of course, you can also visit their website at http://www.presenttensebooks.com.

Past guests on our series:

Erin Thompson of Black Bear Books (Boone, NC)
Marva Allen of the Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe (New York, NY)
James “Surendra” Conti of East West Bookstore (Mountain View, CA)

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

Minneapolis, here we come!

We're happy to announce on a new bookstore that joins our bookstore program: Eye of Horus. This bookstore of Minneapolis is not just a regular bookstore, it's a metaphysical one!

Eye of Horus is the 25th bookstore in our bookstore program. Taking part in the program means that customers at the store can plant a tree for every book they buy there and receive our sticker at the counter!

And what does a metaphysical store mean exactly? here's a little bit about the store (thank you to Jane Hansen, creative director at the store for the info):

Eye of Horus is the metaphysical store, Mythic Art Gallery and Labyrinth nested between the Wedge and Uptown areas of South Minneapolis. We provide books, music, tools and services to support creativity, spiritual awakening (or deepening) and centered living. At the Eye, all paths are welcome.

At Eye of Horus, we believe Myth and Ritual are transformative, not outdated, and that spirituality can be expressed both in action and contemplation. Our labyrinth is a perfect example of our active approach in providing a space where individuals and the community come together through events, workshops, and discussions which enhance their practice and inform their journey.

Our mission is to provide the books and sacred items for all alternative religious studies, Asatru, Buddhist, Christian Mystic, Druid, Hindu, Muslim, Pagan, Shinto, Taoism, Voudon, Wicca, etc. We honor all sources of wisdom and respect all Paths to Spirit; rooted, as we are, in Earth-Based Spirituality, with staff reflecting a variety of paths and traditions. Although we specialize in the tools and supplies for Earth-based and Mystery Paths such as Wicca, Druidry, Shamanic studies, New Age, etc., we believe in the value of diversity in belief and practice, and strive to support all alternative paths.

Eye of Horus is a store of open doors, with deep roots in community. We strive to be a resource for the local community by providing meeting space and classes at our store, and online via our Yahoo Group, and MySpace Page, not to mention our online store, which makes items and books accessible in otherwise isolated areas.

We are dedicated to creating a sustainable business which, while serving our customers, also helps sustain not only community, staff and artisan partners, but the environment as well.
We believe that, through connection with the Sacred, every being has the ability to awaken their spirits and transform themselves, and, through that awakening, transform and heal the planet.

Isn't that a great bookstore or what? Here are the the store's details:

Address: 2717 Lyndale Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55408
Phone: 612-872-1292

Hours: 10am to 9pm Mon-Sat, 11am to 6pm -Sun

Online store: http://eyeofhorus.biz/catalog/index.php

So you're welcome to check it out whether in the location in Minneapolis or online and enjoy a great metaphysical experience.

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris

Plant a tree for every book you read!

The UConn co-op joins Eco-Libris bookstores program

Eco-Libris is coming to the University of Connecticut! I am happy to announce that UConn Co-op, the official bookstore for the University of Connecticut and one of the largest university bookstores in the U.S., is joining the Eco-Libris bookstores program.

Students and other customers at the UConn Co-op will have the opportunity to pay $1 to plant a tree to balance out every book they purchase in the store. They will also receive an Eco-Libris sticker (made of recycled paper) at the counter for each book they balance out, saying 'One tree planted for this book'.

Here's a little bit about the UConn Co-op:

The UConn Co-op is a member-owned independent bookstore serving the University of Connecticut and the surrounding communities. They have a strong commitment to the environment and have hosted a Sustainable Living Book Fair and Conference for the past three years. They also have a robust Sustainable Living section both in the store and online.

The UConn Co-op work closely with students who are studying to make their life-work making the world a better place. They also host many literary events, have a lively children’s department, and of course, many scholarly and academic titles.

If you're wondering what Co-op means, here the explanation from the store's website: The UConn Co-op is a not-for-profit, cooperative business, separate from the University. We are owned by our members, the students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of Connecticut. The Co-op is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the members. And while our mission is to serve our University customers, we welcome anyone to shop at any of the Co-op stores. Details on membership in the co-op can be found here - http://www.bookstore.uconn.edu/members.htm.

You can learn more about the UConn Co-op on their website - http://www.bookstore.uconn.edu (don't miss their webcam).

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

The Galaxy Bookshop in Vermont joins Eco-Libris bookstores program

Eco-Libris is coming to Vermont! I am happy to announce that The Galaxy Bookshop in Hardwick, VT is joining the Eco-Libris bookstores program.

Customers at The Galaxy Bookshop will have the opportunity to pay $1 to plant a tree to balance each book they purchase in the store. They will also receive an Eco-Libris sticker (made of recycled paper) at the counter for each book they balance out, saying 'One tree planted for this book'.

Here's a little bit about The Galaxy Bookshop:

Linda Ramsdell opened The Galaxy Bookshop in the old Firehouse Building (which now houses G.R.A.C.E.) back in 1988, with a starting inventory of about 50 books. After spending time in two different locations on Main Street, Linda enlisted the help of many good friends who, with a number of grocery carts, "Moved The Galaxy in the Year of Hale-Bopp" to its current home on 7 Mill Street in Hardwick.

Now the store is housed in a former bank building, and they still have a large vault in the middle of the store, as well as a drive-through window that people occasionally use for picking up books. Cool!

Galaxy is a general bookstore with a generous selection of books by Vermont authors. Their reading series, which runs April through November, showcases Vermont authors. This summer, They've hosted/will be hosting David Goodman, Leland Kinsey, Jennifer McMahon, Reeve Lindbergh, Madeleine Kunin, Archer Mayor, and others.

You can see our calendar of events here: http://www.galaxybookshop.com/NASApp/store/IndexJsp?s=storeevents. On Galaxy's website (www.galaxybookshop.com), you can also find staff recommendations, information about local authors, and more.

Yours,

Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Eco-Libris' bookstores series: interview with Marva Allen of Hue-Man Boostore and Cafe

Starting few weeks ago with the interview of James “Surendra” Conti of East West Bookstore, we continue in our presentations of the bookstores that are part of our bookstores program and the people behind them.

Today we have the pleasure to present you with the Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe of Harlem, NY and its co-owner and managing partner, Marva Allen.

When I entered Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe few months ago, I knew immediately I arrived to a unique bookstore. The bookstore located in the heart of Harlem, New York has established itself as an important part of the commercial revival of Harlem, becoming the largest and best-known African-American bookstore in the U.S.

This focus is very clear from the minute you enter the store - the majority of the 4,000-square-foot bookstore's inventory comprises titles by or about African Americans, with a close of New York Times bestsellers and titles by authors from the Caribbean and African Diaspora.

Hue-Man was opened on Aug. 1, 2002. Between the attendees were rapper Jay-Z, singer Stevie Wonder, and actor Wesley Snipes attended, and poet Maya Angelou provided a special dedication. Since its opening, Hue-Man has developed many community projects and collaborations with local organizations.

One example is the work of the Melvin Van Peebles Foundation (Melvin Van Peebles has joined Hue-Man in 2004). Since 2005, the foundation has worked with first graders from PS 123, the Mahalia Jackson school, to introduce good reading habits and provide them with gift cards to purchase their own books. Many have never entered a bookstore before. Students are brought back to the bookstore for repeat visits once in their second and third grade years to continue to foster good reading habits and a love of literature.

The store god media attention from all over the world in June 2004, when former President Bill Clinton signed 2,000 copies of his autobiography My Life at Hue-Man (photos above of the event are from Hue-Man's website).

Marva Allen joined Hue-Man as a majority partner and CEO in 2004, after being president and a co-owner of USI, a multi-million dollar technology firm in Southfield, MI. Allen brought with her tremendous analytical skills and extensive business and management experience to spearhead the growth of the bookstore. She holds a BSN from SGI in England, a B.S in Biology from the University of Michigan and an M.S in Health & Business Administration.

She is also the recipient of numerous business awards, including The IBM & Kodak Excellence Award, MMBDC Diamond Award, Crain's Business 40 Under 40 Award for significantly achieving in business before her 40th birthday. Allen is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for St. Hope Leadership Academy founded by NBA player Kevin Johnson and a LitWorld, an organization concerned with literacy around the world.

And one last update: On May 13, 2008, Marva was recognized by The New York Urban League for her committement to the community. As a recepient of the The Frederick Dougkas Award, she embodies the mission of the award which was created in 1965 to " honor leaders in the private and public sectors whose contributions to society serve to eliminate racial barriers and promote opportunities for the disadvantaged. " Congrats!

I had the pleasure of interviewing Marva over the email and learn more about Hue-Man:

So tell me a bit about Hue-Man Bookstore. When it all began?

August 2002 with the regentrification of Harlem.

What's the most special characteristic of the store?

It is more than a bookstore. It is a sanctuary that holds a lot of history.

What role the store has in the life of Harlem, where it is located?

We have become a Mecca of culture and a continuation of the long literary history of Harlem.

What changes the store went over in the last couple of years?

hanging marketplace. With the gentrification of Harlem we our name Hue-man is even more relevant. We are updating our inventory to reflect our changing neighborhood.

What do your customers like most about the store?

It warmth and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Can you tell me about the events in the store?

We have 25 events a month many by well know or celebrity authors. This brings to Harlem a quality not seen before.

What is the best selling book right now?

Audacity of hope and The New Earth

What is the all times best selling book in the store?

Bill Clinton's Memoir

What do you like most about the store?

I love everything about the store. The community, friendships and the amazing rolodex of people that come into Hue-man.

Any special message you want to send to book lovers in New York?

Come spend an afternoon with us, and mother's can have the bet coffee in Harlem while their children listen to Story hours on Saturday from 11-12

Hue-Man Bookstore and Cafe

2319 Frederick Douglass BlvdBetween 124th and 125th StreetsNew York, NY 10027
212-665-7400(Fax)212-665-1071info@hueman-bookstore.com

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Check out Hue-Man's events, find yourself a nice sunny morning or afternoon and visit this special bookstore. With their unique inventory, the inviting and warm atmosphere and the coffee shop located in the store, you won't regret it! And of course, don't forget to check at the counter the opportunity to balance out your books with Eco-Libris and receive our sticker on spot.

Yours,
Raz @ Eco-Libris

Eco-Libris: plant a tree for every book you read!

Cody's Books

To anyone who's from the San Francisco Bay Area, there's no need to introduce Cody's Books. This famous Berkeley independent bookstore has been around since 1956, when it was founded by Pat and Fred Cody as a small storefront, and even played a part in (The People's Republic of) Berkley's interesting political history in the 60's and 70's. In fact, Pat Cody wrote a book about it in Cody's Books: the Life and Times of a Berkeley Bookstore, which I heard is quite worth hunting down.

So today's announcement is that Eco-Libris finally plays a small part in the current chapter of Cody's history book. As of last week, our “One tree planted for this book” eco-friendly stickers are on sale for $1 at the book counter, and the Berkeley literati can now plant a tree for every book they buy at Cody's.

In a recent SF Gate article, journalist John King outlined Cody's somewhat iconic saga, which illustrates the exciting yet treacherous road of independent book retail these days. Pat and Fred Cody's little storefront endeavor grew over the decades to include two Berkeley stores, the flagship being a big storefront on Telegraph Avenue, and an additional third shop opened in downtown San Francisco in 2005.

However, the times being what they are, the Cody's of today is back to basics. After a recent move, the former chain is back to being a single store in Berkeley on Shattuck and Allston. That's good news to all book lovers in the area, because it hopefully means that this great resource is going to be available for yet another generation.

So definitely check out Cody's at their new location, when you are around. Meet an author, buy a book, and of course, plant a tree. For a complete list of upcoming event please check out their events calendar

Yours,

Eylon @ Eco-Libris

Plant a Tree for Every Book You Read!