Silver Unicorn Wins BPRNE's Independent Spirit Award

Congratulations to the Silver Unicorn Bookstore, Acton, Mass., winner of the 2025 Independent Spirit Award, sponsored by the Book Publishers Representatives of New England and recognizing "the New England independent bookstore of the year." The award will be presented at the New England Independent Booksellers Association's Fall Conference Awards Banquet on Wednesday, September 10, in Manchester, N.H.

The citation reads: "When Paul [Swydan] opened the store, he embraced everything it means to become a full fledged member of any of the communities he takes part in. His desire for advice and education at the trade level should be applauded, and he is constantly striving to improve things. He also formed a wonderful staff who have also jumped into both their local and the trade community with amazing energy. On top of their wildly successful Kids Graphic Novel Festival, they also run 20+ book fairs a year, numerous off-site events, and are also willing to talk to any/every bookstore that has questions about how to run similar events/start a book fair program/etc. You don't see new stores embracing the publishing industry as enthusiastically as Paul has that often anymore and they definitely deserve the Independent Spirit Award this year!"

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