Latest news with #Bookshelf
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A new chapter for OMR couple
A small library near her house in Thrissur was Sudha Gopalakrishnan's steadfast companion during the years she was in school. Though the library offered limited books, it is here she got introduced to Enid Blyton's Famous Five. Since then books have also served her creative pursuits as a web designer to face the corporate world more confidently. In December 2019, in collaboration with her husband H. Venkataraman, they launched an online lending library, Bookshelf, converting a room in their house in Thoraipakkam to stock a humble collection of children's books. But things did not go as planned. Their entrepreneurial dreams received a big blow with COVID-19. 'In three months we had to take a pause as social distancing became the norm and some of our members feared placing a request for books,' recalls Sudha. With the pandemic showing no signs of letting up, Bookshelf went into a long hibernation, the couple had to be content just focussing on their respective corporate jobs. Later, in January 2025, they officially relaunched Bookshelf. In the model, one places an order and the books are delivered at their doorsteps. 'We were clear from the beginning that we will be hyperlocal but cover as many readers as we can. Currently, we cater to areas on OMR, starting from Perungudi to Kelambakkam,' says Sudha, a freelance web designer. The couple say their research showed that many libraries folded up due to infrastructure cost, so instead of investing in a physical space their flat in Bhaggyam Urbanville in Thoraipakkam doubles as library. Two-day OMR Storytelling Festival The Bookshelf, an online library for children, is organising 'OMR Storytelling Festival 2025' on May 17 and 18 at Kriyates, Thoraipakkam from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On May 18, storytellers Pretigaya Haran, and Alvin and Kishore will engage participants with their themes 'Around the World in 60 minutes, A Playful World of Kid Powered Theatre' and 'Musical Storytelling, Where Words Meet Music' respectively. Registration is a must. Residents of OMR can avail special free passes. For details, visit Or call 8056073602 It currently stocks more than 2,000 books for children up to the age of 12 years. 'We have books by Indian authors and publishers, multi-language books and those apt for children,' says Sudha that their teenage daughter feeds them with inputs. Venkat, who is a finance consultant, contributes his mite by helping with marketing and promotions. Bookshelf has not come up with any rigid rules on returning books as their primary objective is to get children to pick them up first. They will soon be trying out a new concept: a mini-library heading to an apartment or gated community. 'This will be like a travelling library, where we bring books, storytellers and do activities for two to three hours. Depending on the interest from the community, the frequency of the visits will be increased,' says Sudha. Bookshelf currently has 60 members and is counting. 'It is a slow journey and we are not looking at it as a profitable business, just the satisfaction of seeing families take to reading. Sustaining initiatives such as this will keep us motivated and energised,' says Sudha, grateful to the encouragement they have been getting from the Federation of OMR Residents Associations (FOMRRA). Their request to gated communities is to not be indifferent to ventures that are trying to keep the reading habit alive in this digital age. Bookshelf is organising its first event 'OMR Storytelling Festival' where the sessions feature elements of music, crafts-making, dance and drama. For details, visit
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barnes & Noble Education Announces Surge in New Campus Store Partnerships
Over 20 new institutions across a mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities turn to Barnes & Noble College for innovative, customer-focused solutions BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, today announced a wave of new campus store partnerships with colleges and universities across the country. These institutions, representing a diverse mix of two- and four-year public and private schools, have selected Barnes & Noble College (BNC) to operate their campus stores ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, with over 20 campus stores scheduled to open from February through August this year. This total is more than double the number added during the same period in each of the prior two years. This momentum highlights the growing demand for BNC's innovative, customer-focused approach as colleges and universities seek trusted partners that can support improved access, affordability, and the omnichannel retail experience. The Barnes & Noble College Difference BNC is redefining the collegiate retail experience through a powerful partnership model that helps institutions ignite change and reach new levels of success. Backed by the financial strength of BNED, we deliver unmatched support for academic excellence while offering unique capabilities to enhance each institution's brand and reputation. Our uncompromised, community-focused service model ensures schools receive personalized support, on-campus expertise, and a consistent partner committed to their success. From tech-enabled course material delivery to dynamic retail experiences, BNC fosters innovation, elevates the campus experience, and drives sustainable growth. BNC's unique and differentiated capabilities enable us to deliver more relevant and customized support to our partners through: Unmatched Access to Affordable Course Materials - the industry's largest selection of print and digital formats, delivered seamlessly through traditional and affordable access models. Unmatched Omnichannel Retail Experiences - innovative store design, curated merchandise, exclusive school-branded collections and collaborations, and an elevated online experience. Innovative Technology - designed to support both students and faculty throughout the academic journey, including seamless course material delivery, Bookshelf e-reader, CoachMe study tool, faculty Adoption & Insights portal (AIP), and more. Best-in-Class Service Model - featuring dedicated on-campus management and tailored campus engagement strategies and service, as well as local decision-making. 'Our highly differentiated solutions are delivering real value to institutions nationwide,' said Jonathan Shar, Chief Executive Officer, Barnes & Noble Education. 'From affordability and access to deeper engagement and measurable outcomes, we're delivering results that matter to schools, students, alumni, fans, and faculty. We're proud to welcome these new partners and look forward to helping them elevate the customer experience and achieve their highest priority goals.' New Partnerships Across a Broad Mix of Institutions The mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities spans 17 states and includes both former self-operated stores and those transitioning from other vendors — all choosing BNC for its proven ability to deliver innovation and operational excellence. Notable new partners include Villanova University, Georgia Southern University, Oral Roberts University, the Colorado Community College System, UNC Pembroke, Xavier University, the University of Denver, and more. More than half of the new institutions will launch First Day® Complete, BNC's rapidly growing, industry-leading affordable access program, beginning Fall Term 2025. ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services and academic solutions, wholesale capabilities, and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting students, faculty, and institutions as they make tomorrow a better and smarter world. For more information about Barnes & Noble Education, visit more information about Barnes & Noble College, visit Media Contact:Judith BuckinghamCorporate CommunicationsBarnes & Noble Educationjbuckingham@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barnes & Noble Education Announces Surge in New Campus Store Partnerships
Over 20 new institutions across a mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities turn to Barnes & Noble College for innovative, customer-focused solutions BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, today announced a wave of new campus store partnerships with colleges and universities across the country. These institutions, representing a diverse mix of two- and four-year public and private schools, have selected Barnes & Noble College (BNC) to operate their campus stores ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, with over 20 campus stores scheduled to open from February through August this year. This total is more than double the number added during the same period in each of the prior two years. This momentum highlights the growing demand for BNC's innovative, customer-focused approach as colleges and universities seek trusted partners that can support improved access, affordability, and the omnichannel retail experience. The Barnes & Noble College Difference BNC is redefining the collegiate retail experience through a powerful partnership model that helps institutions ignite change and reach new levels of success. Backed by the financial strength of BNED, we deliver unmatched support for academic excellence while offering unique capabilities to enhance each institution's brand and reputation. Our uncompromised, community-focused service model ensures schools receive personalized support, on-campus expertise, and a consistent partner committed to their success. From tech-enabled course material delivery to dynamic retail experiences, BNC fosters innovation, elevates the campus experience, and drives sustainable growth. BNC's unique and differentiated capabilities enable us to deliver more relevant and customized support to our partners through: Unmatched Access to Affordable Course Materials - the industry's largest selection of print and digital formats, delivered seamlessly through traditional and affordable access models. Unmatched Omnichannel Retail Experiences - innovative store design, curated merchandise, exclusive school-branded collections and collaborations, and an elevated online experience. Innovative Technology - designed to support both students and faculty throughout the academic journey, including seamless course material delivery, Bookshelf e-reader, CoachMe study tool, faculty Adoption & Insights portal (AIP), and more. Best-in-Class Service Model - featuring dedicated on-campus management and tailored campus engagement strategies and service, as well as local decision-making. 'Our highly differentiated solutions are delivering real value to institutions nationwide,' said Jonathan Shar, Chief Executive Officer, Barnes & Noble Education. 'From affordability and access to deeper engagement and measurable outcomes, we're delivering results that matter to schools, students, alumni, fans, and faculty. We're proud to welcome these new partners and look forward to helping them elevate the customer experience and achieve their highest priority goals.' New Partnerships Across a Broad Mix of Institutions The mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities spans 17 states and includes both former self-operated stores and those transitioning from other vendors — all choosing BNC for its proven ability to deliver innovation and operational excellence. Notable new partners include Villanova University, Georgia Southern University, Oral Roberts University, the Colorado Community College System, UNC Pembroke, Xavier University, the University of Denver, and more. More than half of the new institutions will launch First Day® Complete, BNC's rapidly growing, industry-leading affordable access program, beginning Fall Term 2025. ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services and academic solutions, wholesale capabilities, and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting students, faculty, and institutions as they make tomorrow a better and smarter world. For more information about Barnes & Noble Education, visit more information about Barnes & Noble College, visit Media Contact:Judith BuckinghamCorporate CommunicationsBarnes & Noble Educationjbuckingham@
The Guardian
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Jane Austen's Bookshelf by Rebecca Romney review – the women behind the woman
It would be easy to mistake Rebecca Romney's Jane Austen's Bookshelf for one of the many books produced annually by the Jane Austen industrial-entertainment complex: Jane Austen at Home, Jane Austen: Her Homes & Her Friends, Jane Was Here: An illustrated Guide to Jane Austen's England. So much cultural real estate has been built off those six published books of Austen's, it's a wonder someone hasn't thought before to do a little detective work into the authors that influenced her: Ann Radcliffe, whose 1794 gothic thriller The Mysteries of Udolpho peppers every other conversation in Northanger Abbey; Elizabeth Inchbald, whose 1798 play Lovers' Vows is rehearsed by the characters in Mansfield Park; and Frances Burney, whose third novel, Camilla (1796), originated the phrase 'pride and prejudice'. 'There are two Traits in her Character which are pleasing,' Austen once wrote of a friend, 'namely she admires Camilla, & drinks no cream in her Tea.' To her chagrin, Romney had not even heard of Burney, despite being a self-confessed Austen fanatic and a rare book dealer to boot, but she soon found she was not alone. Burney is not even mentioned on Austen's Wikipedia page and merits only dismissive mentions in most histories of the period, such as Ian Watt's The Rise of the Novel: Studies in Defoe, Richardson and Fielding (1957), which concluded, condescendingly, 'it was Jane Austen who completed the work that Fanny Burney had begun'. And this despite the Georgian era being the first time in English history more women published novels than men. It wasn't that Burney wasn't any good, it was that she wasn't as good as Austen, even though Richardson or Fielding are never asked to pass the same test. 'When Burney loses, that's it: she's off those canonical reading lists,' writes Romney, crisply. 'Between women writers, you have to beat the best or you don't get to play at all.' Jane Austen's Bookshelf is brilliant stuff – a bold bit of canon jujitsu, sparked by the simplest of questions, leading to the most enraging of conclusions, but driven by the sheer pleasure that anyone who has ever read Burney's Evelina can attest to. From Burney, Romney moves on to Ann Radcliffe, whose The Mysteries of Udolpho still captivates like a waking dream, to bold, witty, Charlotte Lennox, whose The Female Quixote Romney finds 'far wittier than any of Austen's novels', to Elizabeth Inchbald, whose 'concise, ironic' style anticipates Austen's own. How are these writers not household names in a world where Austen stationery, Christmas decorations, coffee mugs and wallpaper all fly off the shelves at the gift shop at Jane Austen's house in Hampshire, where the author's 250th birthday celebrations are due to reach a climax this December? Jane Austen's Bookshelf would not disappoint any reader who picked it up along with all their other Janeite merch but it's so much more. A worthy sequel to Dale Spender's Mothers of the Novel: 100 Good Women Writers Before Jane Austen, Romney's book is as sharp an examination of the 'great forgetting' of female writers as you could wish for, uncowed by big-name critics, buoyed instead by the instincts of a single reader trusting her honest enjoyment over dusty tradition. It also comes with a happy addendum: in addition to her book, Romney has built a small collection of the authors discussed at Indiana University's Lilly Library. The new canon starts here. Jane Austen's Bookshelf: The Women Writers Who Shaped a Legend by Rebecca Romney is published by Ithaka (£25). To support the Guardian and Observer order your copy at Delivery charges may apply
Wall Street Journal
29-01-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
Why Angela Merkel Wished for a Kamala Harris Victory
Tunku Varadarajan lauds former German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her 'stability and prudence' and 'cautious solidity and centrist pragmatism' ('Memoirs From Mutti,' Bookshelf, Jan. 21). Yet her immigration, defense and energy policies were far from that. Ms. Merkel opened Germany's borders to more than a million asylum-seekers, many of whom don't share Western values. Hollowing out Germany's military, she broke her pledge to increase military spending to 2% of gross domestic product by 2024. She opposed sanctions on Iran and, buying into net-zero emissions goals, she oversaw the country's 'withdrawal from nuclear energy,' making Germany 'an energy-vassal of Mr. Putin.'
