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| Louisa Earls | |
Louisa Earls, manager at Books Upstairs in Dublin, Ireland, has been awarded the O'Brien Press Bookseller of the Year Award, which recognizes an individual bookseller's contribution to the trade, the Bookseller reported. Winners receive a certificate and a bronze trophy known as "The Elements," created by the Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie.
Earls's father, Maurice, founded Books Upstairs in 1978, and she joined the business in 2015, when it moved to its current location on D'Olier Street after 27 years on College Green. "She reinvented the shop, expanding its stock and events programme, and building the shop's digital presence," the Bookseller noted.
"There's always a warm welcome to readers, authors and publishers in Books Upstairs," said Ivan O'Brien, managing director of the O'Brien Press, "and the tone there comes from the top. Louisa has a quiet authority driven by a real passion for books and reading, and she's hugely knowledgeable and experienced. She has taken over the running of a family business in the best way--respecting Maurice's unique bookselling heritage and constantly finding ways to innovate."
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| Heinz J. Ostermann | |
German bookseller Heinz J. Ostermann, owner of Leporello bookstore in Berlin, won the Lutherpreis (Luther Prize), "which is granted by Germany's 16 Luther Cities to individuals who demonstrate civil courage in the face of adversity," the European & International Booksellers Federation's Newsflash reported.
Ostermann "has been at the forefront of several initiatives that promote democratic values and combat right-wing populism and racism, making him and his bookstore the target of several attacks. These challenges did not deter Ostermann from continuing his efforts," Newsflash noted.
Ostermann said "giving up would have meant that the right had achieved its goal of intimidating and silencing me."
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Cool idea of the day: Noting that it loves "sharing examples of indie booksellers going above and beyond for their customers in creative ways," the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association featured "Suggestive Night" events hosted by Good Dog Books in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
"At these events, readers are invited to pitch a favorite book to others in attendance. Each person has 2-3 minutes to try to convince others that the book they brought should be their next read.... Once everyone has made their pitch, attendees vote on what book sounded the most interesting. The event includes prizes, snacks, and tea, and attendees leave with a list of all the books discussed."
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Summer Christmas party Down Under: Wardini Books, Havelock North, New Zealand, posted February 1 on Facebook : "We had our Christmas Party last night! (If you've ever worked in retail you will understand the timing). It was a 1970s disco themed murder mystery party that revealed some nifty acting and detective skills. Our Max created an amazing feast (no photos sadly, but you'd only be jealous) and the most amazing cocktails.... Suppose we'd better take the tree down now but no worries--soon be Christmas!" --Robert Gray