Tuesday, October 9, 2012




Thanks to everyone who participated in our reading-related events last week. 

I haven't heard yet whether we helped Jumpstart set a new world record for the most people reading the same book on the same day, or whether we just had a fun day of reading Ladybug Girl with friends on Read for the Record Day.  Either way, those who read with a child that day (or any day!) made a difference in that child's life, which is what really matters.

Thanks to Davisson Furniture Center for the use of the comfy chair and to the St. John CDC for the fun ladybug craft kit.  Here are a few photos from the event. 
 
I wasn't able to be there, but Cheryl said the Reading Invasion on the Courthouse lawn was a hit.  Sounds like everyone had fun visiting with other readers and even read a few pages.  It was a good reminder during Banned Books Week that we shouldn't take our "freadom" to read for granted.  It was a beautiful day to be outdoors, too.  We have to take advantage of those this time of year!  Watch for the Friends of the Seward Library and Chapters to host more reading invasions in the future.

I missed both of those events because I was in Minneapolis for the Heartland Fall Forum, sponsored by the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association.  I attended educational sessions, had breakfast with four fantastic children's and YA authors, and browsed the exhibit hall for ideas.  I picked up a few autographed books which we'll use as prizes during the coming weeks and a few ideas that will help Chapters meet our customers' needs in exciting new ways.

The biggest news from the Fall Forum is that independent bookstores will soon be able to provide our customers with e-reading devices and e-books.  By about November 1, you'll be able to purchase a Kobo Mini or Kobo Glo e-reader at Chapters.  Our online store already makes e-books available for reading on a variety of devices, but soon you'll be able to purchase them for your Kobo and support both a local business and your desire to read books electronically at the same time.