Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, N.H., has won the 2014 Independent Spirit Award, sponsored by the Book Publishers Representatives of New England and recognizing excellence in a bookstore member of New England Independent Booksellers Association. The award will be given at the NEIBA fall trade show in Providence, R.I., September 30-October 2.
Ron Koltnow, the sales rep who nominated Gibson's, wrote: "Gibson's has always been great at creative events, community outreach, and just plain old-fashioned bookselling. Now, in the beautiful new store, they have become a powerhouse in New England bookselling."
As part of the award, Gibson's receives two nights lodging for the trade show and a free ticket to all NEIBA meals for an exceptional bookseller of Gibson's choosing who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend the show. Gibson's owner, Michael Herrmann, chose bookseller Ryan Elizabeth Foley as the recipient of this honor.