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The "Why Indie Bookstores Matter" Tour

by Kelly Amabile (RSS feed) on Jul 1st 2007 at 11:40AM

Oh man, do I want to ride along on this one! (In fact, be certain that I will at some point!) My bookstore lovin' pal Larry Portzline has planned an awesome traveling adventure. The creative genius behind the Bookstore Tourism movement has just announced that he will embark on a 10-week cross country road trip that will include stops at 200 independent bookstores in all fifty states.

What better way to spread awareness of indie bookstores, promote literacy and reading, and spread the word about Bookstore Tourism? Larry will drive across the U.S. and fly to Alaska and Hawaii, celebrating indie spirit all the way. At each bookstore Larry will interview owners, booksellers and customers and ask: "Why do indie bookstores matter?" He'll post updates, pictures and podcasts on the tour's blog.

It's no coincidence that Larry chose "Independence Week" to announce the kickoff of his tour. And what about his April 1, 2008 departure date? "April Fool's Day seems appropriate for something a little Quixotic like a cross-country trip to support indie booksellers," he explained.

That's nine months from today, so hopefully it gives Larry plenty of time to line up the sponsorship he is seeking to help defray the cost of the trip. He'll also be soliciting folks for suggestions about bookstores to add to his itinerary; and will invite fans to make a donation and ride along with him for a day or two. "We won't have luxury accommodations, but it'll be a ridiculous amount of fun," he said.

The national tour is merely a variation on the group bookstore road trips that he and others have led around the U.S. Except, as Larry makes sure to point out: "Instead of a luxury motorcoach, we're taking my minivan. And I get the final say on the music choices." Seems fair and sounds like loads of fun. But Larry -- will you be pimping-out the van with a super cool bookstore-on-wheels motif?

Here at Gadling, we'll be sure to keep you updated on tour plans as things progress. Kudos to Larry for a most excellent road trip idea.

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Books

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