- 2025 Jun 25
Vermont Bookstore Is On the Move
The Burlington location of Phoenix Books is moving to a new location on Church Street, the city's main shopping thoroughfare.
- 2025 May 02
Canisia Lubrin Wins Carol Shields Prize
Lubrin’s Code Noir won this year’s Carol Shields Prize for Fiction, which recognizes novels, short story collections, and graphic novels written by women and non-binary authors published in the United States and Canada.
Romance Pop-Up to Open Brick-and-Mortar
The Well Red Damsel, a woman- and queer-owned bookstore focused on romance novels, will open a brick-and-mortar in Wauwatosa, Wis., this June.
New Indie Bookstore to Open in Virginia
Bonfire Bookstore is set to open on Woodstock’s Main Street in early June.
Houston Bookstore Moves Locations
Kindred Stories, a community space and bookstore in Houston’s Third Ward, has moved across the street to the historic Eldorado Ballroom.
- 2025 May 01
A New Children’s Bookstore in NYC
Words on Warren will open in Tribeca the first week of September.
Novelry Launches New Writing Prize
The Next Big Story competition, run by U.K.-based writing school the Novelry, will award £75,000 to writers based on the first three pages of their unpublished novels. Judges include Tayari Jones, Emma Roberts, and Julia Quinn.
Romance Bookstore in Philly Draws Crowds
Cupid’s Bookshop, which bills itself as Philadelphia's first brick-and-mortar all-romance bookstore, drew lines of visitors at its grand opening last week.
- 2025 Apr 30
From the Guardian
Most parents don't enjoy reading to their children, a U.K. survey suggests.
From Deadline
DreamWorks Animation's Dog Man Sets Peacock Premiere Date.
From the New Yorker
How The Great Gatsby Took Over High School.
From People
Jason Reynolds Returns to Middle Grade Track Series with New Book Coach.
From the New York Times
Geena Davis on her new picture book and her reading life.
From the New York Times
Kwame Alexander on Bringing the Free Spirit of Jazz to Young Viewers.
From the Associated Press
The Oscar-winning film inspired by John and Yoko song War Is Over! will be released as a picture book.
From the New York Times
How these little elves from a children's book series turned into a global sensation.
From the Children’s Book Council
Julie Flett and Sophie Blackall in conversation about Children's Book Week and their posters celebrating the occasion.
Frankfurt Book Fair’s Newest Fellowship
The Frankfurt Fellowship Network—which combines two former funding opportunities—aims to offer younger professionals from the international publishing industry “an intensive training and networking program.”
Chicago Bookstore Has New Owners
After nearly 30 years, former owner Eric Kirsammer has sold Quimby’s Bookstore in the city’s Wicker Park neighborhood to Peter Miles Bergman and Cody Kasselman.
Malibu Bookshop Seeks Post-Fire Support
Following the devastating impact of the Palisades fire and the repeated closure of the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu Village Books is turning to its community to help the independent business stay afloat.
- 2025 Apr 29
New Mexico Store Defends Encampment
The owner of Quirky Used Books in Albuquerque is going head-to-head with the city over whether he can have a homeless encampment on his store’s property.
Plutarch Award Shortlist
Cynthia Carr and David Greenberg are among the five shortlisted authors for this year’s Plutarch Award, presented by the Biographers International Organization.
Oregon Book Award Winners
Rebecca Clarren and Kimberly King Parsons are among the seven winners of this year’s Oregon Book Awards, presented by Literary Arts.
Indie Bookshop Gets Community Support
Dozens of community members flocked to support the Book Jewel in Los Angeles after a vehicle crashed into it last week.
RIP Jack Katz
The Comics Journal explores the life and legacy of comics artist and writer Jack Katz, who died on April 24 at 97.
Rebecca Burke’s Tell-All
The U.K. cartoonist, who was detained by U.S. ICE agents for nearly a month while backpacking across North America, talks about the experience with the Comics Journal.
The State of Manga Bans
Anime News Network maps out the manga titles that have been banned or challenged during the Trump administration—so far.
Comics and DEI Under Trump
For the Beat, E.B. Hutchins considers the ramifications of the Trump administration’s “war on DEI” upon the comics industry—and offers a case for resistance.
Superman Controversy
Frank Quitely’s original pencil art for the cover to the All-Star Superman collected edition was sold for $50,000, a price too steep for some critics, reports the Beat.
Shop Talk In the Comics World
ICv2 rounds up the latest updates on comics shops and retailers, including the closure of Purple Earth Comics in West Virginia, the opening of Common Ground Games in Dallas, and how tariffs are affecting businesses.
‘Banned Book Club’ Team Axes U.S. Tour
Ryan Estrada and Kim Hyun Sook, whose Banned Book Club was nominated for a 2021 Eisner Award, have canceled a planned four-month trip to the U.S. because of concerns about Kim’s safety, per ICv2.
TCAF Seeks Support Amid Financial Stress
Amid rising costs and new expenses, the Toronto Comics Arts Festival is seeking donations to maintain its free table policy for artists from historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups.
Kickstarting the Comics Courier
The Comics Courier, a newspaper-format journal dedicated to in-depth comics criticism, is currently raising funds for its second issue.
Eric Drooker Brings ‘Naked City’ to NYC
The comics artist will read from his latest book, Naked City: A Graphic Novel, and give a slide lecture about New York City’s changing landscape on May 1 in the East Village, per EV Grieve.
Tintin’s Timeless Allure
The College Towns Substack considers the enduring appeal of The Adventures of Tintin, which officially entered the public domain this year.
Studio Ghibli vs. ChatGPT
Japanese lawmakers are looking to take legal action against AI recreations of Studio Ghibli’s animation style, reports ScreenRant.
How ‘Asterix & Obelix’ Came to TV
Directors Alain Chabat and Fabrice Joubert discussed Asterix & Obelix: The Big Fight, the latest TV adaptation of the comics franchise, with Animation Magazine.
Will Sci-Fi Destroy the World?
Skewed interpretations of classic works are feeding the dark visions of tech moguls including Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, argues the Guardian.
The ‘Curse’ of Being George R.R. Martin
Another year, another lament over lateness: the author of the Song of Ice and Fire series, whose penultimate novel has now been in the works for nearly 15 years, is tired of fans questioning how he spends his time, per Entertainment Weekly.
‘The Martian Chronicles’ at 75
Literary Hub explains how Ray Bradbury’s 1950 classic legitimized, and revolutionized, science fiction.
- 2025 Apr 28
From the Hill
Authors in Supreme Court LGBTQ Books Case Detail 'Surreal' Fight.
From People
How Could a Department of Education Shutdown Impact Book Bans?
From the New York Times
Retailers Fear Toy Shortages at Christmas as Tariffs Freeze Supply Chain.
From People
Dolly Parton's God-Dog Returns in Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out.
Winners of the ‘L.A. Times’ Book Prizes
Emily Witt, Jennine Capó Crucet, and Jesse Katz are among the 13 winners of the 45th annual Los Angeles Times Book Prizes.
Gallery Bookshop Shutters in Manhattan
Karma Bookstore, an offshoot of Karma Gallery in the East Village, has closed its doors after seven years.
- 2025 Apr 25
A Notable New Indie in Wisconsin
Niche Book Bar in Milwaukee is the city’s second Black woman–owned bookshop, after Rooted MKE, owned by Ashley Valentine.
- 2025 Apr 24
Kansas Bookshop Offers Books and Cats
Since Literary Cat Co. opened in Pittsburg, Kan., nearly two years ago, 32 of the store’s foster cats have been adopted by bookstore customers.
Orange Wins Aspen Words Prize
Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange has won the 2025 Aspen Words Literary Prize, presented by the Aspen Institute.
New Popup Bookshop Inspired by ‘You’
Fans can now visit a Mooney’s pop-up in Manhattan’s Soho neighborhood, inspired by the bookshop featured in Netflix’s hit series You.
Monocle Design Award Winners
Good Company Bookshop in Portugal and Swiss publisher Park Books are among the winners of this year’s awards for design across all disciplines given by the London-based magazine Monocle.
- 2025 Apr 23
From the New York Times
North Dakota governor vetoes bill restricting library books.
From USA Today
Jeff Kinney donates 20,000 books a month with First Book ahead of 20th Diary of a Wimpy Kid
From the Bookseller
Isabel Allende's editor corrects 'offensive' outdated references for new YA editions.
From Literary Hub
Put Your Butt in the Chair: Elisha Cooper shares his creative routine and why it works for him.
Maryland Bookshop Combats Book Removals
A retired Navy commander and Old Fox Books, in Annapolis, are working together to give Naval Academy midshipmen access to many of the 381 books recently removed from the academy’s library.
Minnesota Book Award Winners
Kao Kalia Yang, Danez Smith, and Marcie Rendon are among the eight winners of this year’s Minnesota Book Awards, presented by the Friends of the St. Paul Public Library.
‘Bookseller’ Launches New Adult Prize
The new U.K.-based prize, copresented by the Bookseller, recognizes new adult fiction that addresses the “issues and events that arise from the move from adolescence to early adulthood.”
Loyalty Bookstores Co-Owner Steps Back
Christine Bellows, who has been a bookseller at Loyalty Bookstores in Washington, D.C., and Silver Spring, Md., since 2020 and became a co-owner in 2023, will transition into an advisory role following a move to Arizona.
- 2025 Apr 22
San Diego’s Newest Bookshop
Hey Books! opened in East Village on April 9, in time for National Independent Bookstore Day and the San Diego Book Crawl.
Christopher Merrill Wins Ottaway Award
Merrill, director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa, has won this year’s Ottaway Award for the Promotion of International Literature.
Floral Shop Turns a New Leaf
Jenny’s Floral in Custer, S.D., has been rebranded as Petals & Pages, and now sells both plants and books.
- 2025 Apr 21
From the New York Times
Supreme Court Seems Set to Allow Opt-Outs from L.G.B.T.Q. Stories in Schools.
From the San Diego Union-Tribune
Dave Eggers on fighting book bans and supporting democracy and indie bookstores.
From Animation Magazine
Apple TV+ Unleashes Lulu Is a Rhinoceros Animated Special on May 30.
From Book Riot
Celebrating Our Planet: Children's Books for Earth Day.
Collette Wins US Goncourt Prize
Sandrine Collette’s novel Madelaine avant l’aube is the winner of this year’s US Goncourt Prize, selected by a jury of 10 university students.
New York’s Most Popular Small Business
Greenlight Bookstore in Brooklyn is the state’s most beloved small business, according to a new poll by Advance Funds Network.
Idaho’s Newest Bookshop-Brewery Combo
Oldspeak Bar in Garden City offers a mix of books and local spirits, wine, and beer.
- 2025 Apr 18
Funding Cuts Felt by Oregon Bookshop
Third Eye Books, an independent Black-owned bookshop in Portland, has reported a decrease in bulk orders from organizations that rely on federal funding.
Hugo Award Finalists
Kaliane Bradley, Adrian Tchaikovsky, and T. Kingfisher are among the finalists across 21 categories for this year’s Hugo Awards, presented by Seattle Worldcon.
California Bookshop Forced to Move
After 16 years in San Mateo, B Street Books is forced to relocate due to rising rent costs.
Young Lions Fiction Award Finalists
‘Pemi Aguda and Karla Cornejo Villavicencio are among the five finalists for this year’s Young Lions Fiction Award, presented by the New York Public Library.
- 2025 Apr 17
Kansas Bookshop’s New Owners
After three decades, Watermark Books & Cafe in Wichita has new owners, a married couple that regularly visited the bookstore prior to its purchase.
Oregon’s Newest Bookshop-Tap Room Combo
Hodgepodge Books & Taps will open in Eugene on April 26, just in time for national Independent Bookstore Day.
Mobile Bookshop to Open Brick-and-Mortar
Bromley’s Books, a mobile bookshop based in Michigan’s upper peninsula, will open a brick-and-mortar location in Marquette this spring.
- 2025 Apr 16
From the Guardian
Students at Pentagon schools sue defense secretary Pete Hegseth over book bans on race and gender.
From Austin American Statesman
Op-Ed: Librarians aren't bouncers. Texas teens shouldn't be carded to read serious books.
From the Boston Globe
Sarah S. Brannen wrote a children's book 20 years ago. It's now the center of a Supreme Court case.
From the New York Times
Where the Precious Things Are: Maurice Sendak's Art Collection to Be Auctioned.
From Literary Hub
Bruce Handy offers an inside look at his new exhibit at the Carle Museum that celebrates endpapers.
From Trinity News
YA or Nay? Rethinking the Young Adult Genre: Maureen Johnson discusses the attitudes to YA in college students.
From CrimeReads
Why Are All the Fictional Kids Doing Crimes?
From Book Riot
Books in Bloom: Children's Books About Spring.
From Book Riot
Winning at Love: 6 Great Diverse YA Sports Romances.
Time’s 100 Most Influential People
Miranda July and Percival Everett are among this year’s 100 most influential people, as selected by Time magazine.
Illinois’ Most Popular Small Business
Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville has been deemed the state’s most popular small business in a poll of more than 3,000 people.
New Bookshop to Land in Pennsylvania
Friendly Alien Books is slated to open in downtown Scranton this spring.
Oregon’s Newest Bookshop
Second Shapes Bookstore, which opened earlier this month in North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood, sells used and new books, zines, and art by local creators.
- 2025 Apr 15
Bookshop Fire Leaves Woman Hospitalized
A fire at Readers’ Paradise, one of the last remaining used bookshops in Butler County, Pa., left a woman hospitalized with severe burns.
Pushkin House Book Prize Shortlist
Lucy Ash, Benjamin Nathans, and Alexei Navalny are among the six shortlisted authors for the U.K.–based Pushkin House Book Prize, which celebrates nonfiction books that “examine Russian culture, history, politics, and more.”
Locals Help Michigan Bookshop Move
Some 300 locals helped Serendipity Books, a woman-owned bookshop in Chelsea, move its book stock to its new location on Main Street.
Hurston/Wright Foundation Renames Awards
The foundation’s annual Legacy Awards have been rebranded as the Zora Awards, in honor of author Zora Neale Hurston, and will now offer $20,000 to debut fiction winners thanks to an anonymous donation.
Tariffs May Shutter Missouri Bookshop
Downtown Book & Toy in Jefferson City may be forced to shut down due to the rising cost of goods under recent tariff hikes.
IPC’s Indie Press Month Winner
Page 1 Books in Albuquerque, N.M., has won the second-annual Indie Press Month display contest, presented by the Independent Publishers Caucus.
- 2025 Apr 14
From the Bookseller
British literary agent and former children's publisher Rosemary Sandberg has died at age 84.
From WRAL
North Carolina bill banning books with sex descriptions from school libraries passes House committee.
From KFYR
Bill restricting explicit books in libraries heads to North Dakota governor’s desk.
From PEN America
Authors speak up about their books being misrepresented in a lawsuit headed to the Supreme Court.
From the Guardian
Librarians in U.K. increasingly asked to remove books, as influence of U.S. pressure groups spreads.
