Friday, November 19, 2004

Vol. 1, Issue 2, November 2004

Kudos to you

Tuesday the 18th of November marked our one-month anniversary as New Albany’s latest retailer. We want to thank all of you who have made this soft pre-opening such a pleasure for us.

The “hunger” for a “real” bookstore that Ann and I perceived as we planned this labor of love has turned out to be deep and sincere.

It is your testimonials that will determine whether we can be the booksellers we think New Albany deserves. If you found the store to be a congenial place to explore and hang out, tell your friends and neighbors. And keep telling us what you want from Destinations Booksellers. It’s our job to make your book- and gift-shopping experience one you’ll find convenient, hassle-free, and entertaining.

So many people have told me it was always their dream to open a bookstore. Well, this is that store. It’s yours. We’re just here to operate it for you.


We’ve got lots of news in this issue, which, for many of you, will be the first you have seen. Take it in small doses. I’ll also be posting most of this on our blog, or Web log, at destinationsbooksellers.blogspot.com and later, at our in-the-works Web site at www.destinationsbooksellers.com


CONTENTS
Progress report
Events


Progress report

Finding this location, renovating it, and restoring it has been a gargantuan task, and you’ll have noticed we still have a few scars from the process. Thanks to all our contractors, who, for the most part, gave us preferential treatment during a busy construction season. If any of our patrons want a recommendation for construction and renovation, we can heartily endorse the team that worked for us.

You’ll notice we opened “soft” without making a major publicity push. Part of that was by design, and part of that was due to a lack of responsiveness from the city. Ultimately, everything worked out just fine, though not without a dash of suspense.

This week, you’ll have noticed our advertising in several of the local newspapers. Traditionally, bookstores don’t run ads. Most don’t find them to be very effective. We’re investing heavily to create awareness now, but that won’t last. Do keep an eye out for our informational postings and advertisements, though. That (and dropping by the store frequently) is the best way to keep up with our events schedule.




Events

Speaking of events, we’re off to a big start with ours. We had our first author visit during the first week and were able to have several copies of “Chasing Lewis & Clark Across America” inscribed by one of the authors. While they last, be sure to read the inspiring message Ron Lowery added to these autographed copies.

Our reception for all the elementary school teachers and staff in Floyd County was lightly attended, but those who did make the shindig were very enthusiastic about the store, especially the special purchase bargain books we put out for Children’s Book Week.

This week also included the first of what we hope will be a number of regular and special meetings held at the store by various groups in the area. The members of the East Spring Street Neighborhood Association accepted our invitation to use our meeting space for their November gathering. As Children’s Book Week continues, we look forward to our special “Polar Express” events for children. Chris Van Allsburg’s classic Christmas story, this year accompanied by…

BULLETIN

This just in! “The Bush Survival Bible” arrived in the middle of this newsletter. We were fortunate enough to be one of the first in line to get these books, which should prove to be some comfort to those who wish the next four years would just fly by. Call or e-mail me right away to reserve your copy. We have only 10 copies, and it looks like getting more may be tough, so get your order in by carrier pigeon if you must. We now resume our regularly scheduled newsletter.

...the Tom Hanks film, “The Polar Express.” Friday night we’ll be hosting a reading of that story and serving refreshments beginning at 7 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring the kids already dressed for bed and to join “Miss Ann” for this delightful tale for all ages. After the reading and the distribution of tote bags and “Polar Express” activity kits, we’ll finish off the night with a reading from “Gaston the Green-Nosed Alligator,” accompanied by a plush Gaston himself.

Saturday continues the fun with a drop-in Polar Express Crafts Day. Come by between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and children can make a “Polar Express” Christmas ornament to take home and hang on the mantle.

Wondering what to do on Tuesdays? Don’t have time to make a treat for the family? Let’s all go down to Destinations Booksellers and have a sweet snack and look at the new books. Nov. 23 is the occasion for our inaugural Dessert Night. Lock that one into your heads and help us start a new New Albany tradition.

The events schedule is light for the holiday, but we will have Children’s Story Hour on Saturday, Nov. 27, at 10:30 a.m.

The schedule heats up the following week with the presentation of Ken Weber’s debut novel, “What the Captain Really Means.” Ken, from Borden, Ind., is a highly-decorated Air Force veteran and college professor whose teaching career includes stints at the U.S. Air Force Academy and at IUS as a professor of writing. “Captain” is a novel set at the height of the Vietnam War and Ken has crafted a story of fidelity to faith, marriage, and duty. The author will discuss his book and autograph copies beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30. That, too, is Dessert Night, so it should be a real treat.

We’re very excited about our big event for Saturday, Dec. 4, when veteran mystery writer Laura Young will present a seminar on “How to Get Published.” Laura, who just called to finalize arrangements for this appearance, is the author of the Kate Kelly mysteries and is a star in the Silver Dagger Mysteries publishing lineup. Her latest work, “Otherwise Engaged,” is being featured throughout December along with the earlier “Killer Looks,” and the author will stick around after her presentation to sign copies of each book for those of you who purchase the book between now and that day. Call us to reserve a copy now and beat the rush.

Children’s Story Hour starts at 10 a.m. that Saturday to accommodate the author appearance at 11 a.m.

Our third Dessert Night is going to be very special. That Tuesday is the on-sale date for Michael Crichton’s much-anticipated new novel, “State of Fear.” We’ve made a special purchase of 100 copies of the book and will have it on sale that day only for the special price of $23.95 (regular price is $26.95).

OK, you say, fine, I’ll take the discount, but I can buy that book anywhere. You’re right, and we know it. So we’re adding a little sweetener. Members of our Patron Passport program who buy the book will also receive a $10 Booksense Gift Card, good at hundreds of independent booksellers with Book Sense across the country. We don’t think you’ll find a deal better than that anywhere and we hope it serves to show you just how much we appreciate you. Read how to join and gain the benefits of the Patron Passport program elsewhere in this newsletter.

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Nov. 18
– East Spring Street Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 19
– Polar Express Pajama Reading, 7 p.m. (refreshments, activities)
Saturday, Nov. 20
– Children's Story Hour, 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, Nov. 20
– Polar Express Crafts Day, drop in from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 23
– Dessert Night, 6 to 8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 25
– Destinations Booksellers will close to spend Thanksgiving Day with family, and reopen Friday at 9 a.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 30
– Ken Weber presents his novel, “What the Captain Really Means,” at 7 p.m. as part of a special Dessert Night. The author will sign copies of his book afterward.
Saturday, Dec. 4
– Children’s Story Hour at 10 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4
– Laura Young presents a seminar on “How to Get Published” at 11 a.m. The author will sign copies of her books afterward.
Tuesday, Dec. 7
– On-sale date for Michael Crichton’s “State of Fear,” with special prices and a free Booksense Gift Card for Patron Passport members.
Tuesday, Dec. 7
Dessert Night
Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 8-9
– After-Work Open House for all, with a special invitation to New Albany's downtown workers, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 11
– Children’s Story Hour at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 12
– Store will close at 4 p.m and reopen for a special invitation-only 2-hour reception to thank our friends, old and new.
Saturday, Dec. 18
– Children’s Story Hour at 10:30 a.m.
Christmas Eve
– We're going to open briefly at 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve, but if you can't come by the store that morning, you had better call. We'll find some way to keep you from being embarrassed when the gift-giving starts. How about a Booksense Gift Card?

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