Latest news with #bookstores
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Global book-loving community crowns winners in largest-ever 1000 Libraries Awards 2025 competition
SYDNEY, Aug. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 1000 Libraries has announced the winners of its 2025 competition following a two-month voting period that recorded over 200,000 votes from book lovers worldwide. Trinity College Dublin's Library claimed first place in the Most Beautiful Libraries category, while Boekhandel Dominicanen in the Netherlands won Most Beautiful Bookstore, and Minoa Pera in Istanbul, Turkey, took the top spot for Most Beautiful Book Café. Voting ran from May 15 to July 15, 2025, with participation from librarians, students, tourists, and literary enthusiasts across six continents. The competition nominated 19 libraries, 19 bookstores, and 16 book cafés from exceptional venues worldwide. Why Ireland won Trinity College Dublin's victory highlights the appeal of historic libraries that combine architectural grandeur with literary significance. The library's Long Room, often compared to the Hogwarts library from Harry Potter, features dark polished shelves and a stately aesthetic that creates what the awards described as "an aged and dignified atmosphere." The library serves as Ireland's largest library and houses the famous Book of Kells alongside thousands of other rare manuscripts. Its 65-meter length and busts of famous literary figures contributed to its appeal among voters seeking spaces that "capture the beauty of libraries old and new." Other category winners Most Beautiful Bookstore: Boekhandel Dominicanen in Maastricht, Netherlands, won first place. The bookstore operates in a restored 13th-century Gothic church featuring vaulted ceilings, original frescoes, and a steel bookcase installation. Most Beautiful Book Café: Minoa Pera in Istanbul, Turkey, claimed the top position. Part of the Minoa Books chain, it features modern design with stone flooring and sells over 45,000 Turkish and English books across multiple floors. Complete winner lists TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL LIBRARIES: Trinity College Dublin, Ireland State Library of South Australia, Australia Abbey Library of St Gall, Switzerland Duke Humfrey's Library (University of Oxford), United Kingdom Admont Abbey Library, Austria Cuypers Library (Rijksmuseum), Netherlands State Library Victoria, Australia The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, Brazil Wiblingen Abbey Library, Germany Sainte-Geneviève Library, France TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOKSTORES: Boekhandel Dominicanen, Netherlands Shakespeare and Company, France El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Argentina The Gently Mad Bookshop, United Kingdom Word on the Water, United Kingdom Dujiangyan Zhongshuge, China Eterna Cadencia, Argentina Daunt Books, United Kingdom Albertine Books, United States The Last Bookstore, United States TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOK CAFÉS: Minoa Pera, Turkey The Used Book Café at Merci, France Halle Saint-Pierre, France Péniche L'Eau et les Rêves, France Cafebrería El Péndulo Polanco, Mexico Ampersand Café & Bookstore, Australia Ler Devagar, Portugal Maison Assouline, United Kingdom Bibliotheque NYC, United States Livraria Funambule, Brazil Global reach reveals diverse winners The competition's international scope produced winners spanning multiple continents, from Europe's historic monastery libraries to South America's converted theaters and Asia's modern architectural marvels. Vincent Phan, Founder of 1000 Libraries, said: "These places represent the enduring power of the written word in our digital age. Visitors now want destinations that offer visual beauty, local storytelling, and intellectual engagement. Each winner offers something unique: breathtaking historical architecture, innovative modern design, and that intangible quality that makes you want to lose yourself among the stacks, while serving as crucial 'third places' where bookish communities flourish." Notable geographic diversity included Switzerland's 612-year-old Abbey Library of St Gall, Argentina's El Ateneo Grand Splendid housed in a 1919 theater, and China's Dujiangyan Zhongshuge with its mirrored ceiling creating infinite reflections of bookshelves. # # # Please contact Haikel Fahim for any interview requests: +65 9852 2024 1000 Libraries is the world's largest online community of book-lovers (1.5M+) dedicated to the art of literary travel, celebrating the world's most beautiful libraries, bookstores, book cafés, book towns, and book‑inspired destinations. At the heart of our platform is the 1000 Libraries Magazine - an ad‑free, reader‑friendly publication delivering weekly stories on literary culture, the bookish lifestyle, and the joy of reading. Every piece is freely accessible and written to inspire an enduring appeal for physical books in the age of digital technology. Founded and led by Editor-in-Chief Vincent Phan, 1000 Libraries is on a mission to inspire a global resurgence in book culture through content created for book-lovers, by book-lovers. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE 1000 Libraries
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
7 Bookstores Every Book Lover Should Visit, According To Southern Authors
Independent bookstores took the lead. We do a lot of things well in the South, from barbecue and fried chicken to vegetable gardens and holiday decorating. We're also exceptionally good at storytelling—as evidenced by the number of renowned writers who have roots in the region—and we have an affinity for a charming, one-of-a-kind bookstore. In fact, you'll find that nearly all of the best cities and towns throughout the South have at least one bookstore where the shelves overflow with best-sellers and new releases, the calendar is dotted with author signings and meet-and-greets, and cozy corners encourage patrons to sit and read a while. And because no one appreciates a bookstore quite like a writer, we chatted with some of the most prolific contemporary Southern authors to find out which ones every bibliophile should add to their list. Below, see which bookstores came out on top. South Main Book Company Salisbury, North Carolina 'Salisbury is my hometown, and South Main Book Company has been in our historic downtown, in some iteration, since 1998. It's housed inside a historic building with creaky, original hardwood floors, beautiful architectural details, and—the pièce de résistance—antique library ladders,' says Kristy Woodson Harvey, a New York Times best-selling author whose most recent book, Beach House Rules, was released this past May. 'South Main is also incredibly supportive of the community and its schools, and hosts author events, book clubs, silent reading nights, and more to bring everyone together,' she adds. While in Salisbury, the home of Cheerwine, she also suggests a visit to Hap's Grill, an afternoon exploring the other shops along Main Street—including Caniche and Salisbury Wine Shop—and finishing the day with something sweet. 'I'd recommend savoring some homemade ice cream at Spanky's, which has been a downtown staple since 1928, and grabbing a few cupcakes and Rice Krispies treats from Abigail's for the road,' she says. 110 S Main St, Salisbury, NC 28144 Tombolo Books St. Petersburg, Florida For Florida novelist Kristen Arnett, the author of titles such as Stop Me If You've Heard This One and Mostly Dead Things, Tombolo Books in St. Pete stands out above all other bookstores. 'There are many reasons I'm drawn to this space, but probably what sets the store apart is the fact that the booksellers are such sincere delights,' she says. 'Whenever I'm in town, I always leave with new recommendations, new stories, and fresh love in my heart. The stock is all amazing—so many queer authors—and the shop itself is incredibly supportive of Florida writers. It's a beautiful location with a gorgeous patio that occasionally hosts markets and larger author events.' After browsing the shelves of Tombolo, pop into Black Crow Coffee next door, a cafe Arnett calls 'one of the best coffee shops in town.' She also recommends spending time on the beach, then having drinks at Lost & Found and tinned fish and oysters at Barbouni. 2153 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 Faulkner House Books New Orleans, Louisiana 'I love Faulkner House in New Orleans' Pirate's Alley,' says Wiley Cash, the North Carolina-based best-selling author of When Ghosts Come Home and A Land More Kind Than Home. 'The store is tiny but incredibly curated. Everything on the shelves has been selected with reader tastes in mind.' As the bookstore's name suggests, it's housed in the former home of William Faulkner; the celebrated Southern novelist lived in the building, which was built in 1837, in the 1920s. 624 Pirate's Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116 The Lynx Books Gainesville, Florida 'And I can't leave out my friend Lauren Groff and her wonderful new store, The Lynx Books, down in Gainesville,' says Cash. 'They specialize in banned and contested books with a special focus on Florida literature. There's no place like it.' The store holds various events, including a Florida Literature Book Club, a Classics Book Club, and a weekly family story time. 601 S Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601 Buxton Books Charleston, South Carolina 'Charleston is lucky to be home to several indie bookstores in the tri-county. If you're heading to the city, stop first on King Street to visit Buxton Books,' says Mary Alice Monroe, the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Where the Rivers Merge and the Lowcountry Summer series, as well as dozens of other works. 'Located next door to the historic Charleston Library Society, you'll be charmed by artsy window displays and a big selection of books—many signed because Buxton Books hosts many author events throughout the year.' Plus, she says, it's walkable from another King Street favorite, Blue Bicycle Books, as well as some of the best restaurants in the Holy City. 160 King St, Charleston, SC 29401 Charis Books & More Decatur, Georgia 'Charis Books & More is America's oldest continuously operated feminist bookstore. Their on-site events are legendary as they host new writers, local writers, and global heavy-hitters alike,' says Tayari Jones, the New York Times best-selling author of An American Marriage, among other titles. Even if your to-be-read pile is sky-high, you may still find something that catches your eye. To round out your time in Decatur, follow Jones' lead: 'For me, a happy day in Decatur involves a trip to the international farmers' market, where I will buy a fruit I can't identify. Then, I'd swing by Piece of Cake for a gigantic chunk of triple-layered red velvet excellence. After that, off to Charis Books, where someone will recommend a book of poetry by a genius I have yet to discover before identifying the mysterious fruit from the market and maybe even explaining how to enjoy it.' 184 S Candler St, Decatur, GA 30030 Fabled Bookshop & Cafe Waco, Texas 'Fabled is one of those places that, the minute you walk in, you know you're in the epicenter of the community,' says Harvey. 'Waco residents are grabbing coffee [and] reading at tables and in comfy lounge chairs in this visually stunning space meant to be reminiscent of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.' She describes it as a 'book lover's heaven,' one that's full of "popular titles and quite a few books [she's] have never seen anywhere else.' 'And, best of all, Fabled's littlest patrons can walk through a small wardrobe door and enter their own Narnia, filled with books just for them,' she says. 215 S 4th St, Waco, TX 76701 Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
CNA
06-08-2025
- CNA
The world's most beautiful libraries and bookstores in 2025, according to 200,000 book lovers
For many people, libraries and bookstores don't usually top travel itineraries. They're often seen as stopovers to pass time, not landmarks. But some are so visually striking and rich in atmosphere, they deserve to be destinations in their own right, at least according to a global community of book lovers. That community, known as 1000 Libraries, curates literary travel guides; and on Wednesday (Aug 6), it announced the finalists of its 2025 awards. The annual awards spotlight the world's most beautiful book spaces. In May, the awards team shortlisted standout spots across various categories, including libraries and bookstores. Finalists were then put to a global vote, with 200,000 readers casting their ballots over two months. At a time when Singapore's reading culture seems increasingly precarious – and when the need for distinct 'third places' outside home and work feels more needed, especially amid a sea of homogenous malls – perhaps there's something vital to learn from the visual allure of these spaces. 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL LIBRARIES IN THE WORLD You could argue that a library doesn't need to look good to serve its basic purpose of providing information, but there's no denying even the most painful research process may feel far less arduous in these libraries. Of the 20 shortlisted by the 1000 Libraries Awards team for voting, two of the top five have inspired some of pop culture's most iconic libraries. 5. ADMONT ABBEY LIBRARY (AUSTRIA) At some point, every young bookworm faces the crushing realisation that they can't actually become Belle from Beauty And The Beast. So the next best thing is to visit the real-life library that inspired the grand one in the animated classic. Entering the world's largest monastic library, completed in 1776, feels like you're stepping into a sacred painting. And that's because you kind of are. The ceilings are adorned with frescoes – mural paintings made by applying pigment onto fresh plaster, making the artwork part of the wall itself. You might just spend more time gazing upward than buried in a book. Address: Kirchplatz 1, 8911 Admont, Austria 4. DUKE HUMFREY'S LIBRARY (UK) Located in the University of Oxford's Bodleian Library, this is one of the oldest reading rooms in Europe still in use. It holds rare books and manuscripts. Unlike more elaborate and decorated libraries, Duke Humfrey's feels built for focus and study. Its charm is in its quiet simplicity, with dark timbre beams, old oak bookcases, narrow aisles and shelves lined with centuries-old volumes. Address: University of Oxford, Broad St, Oxford OX1 3BG, United Kingdom 3. ABBEY LIBRARY OF ST GALLEN (SWITZERLAND) Another library with surreal ceiling frescoes, it's hard to believe this ethereal space in Switzerland only ranked third. Founded in 612 by an Irish monk, it stands out as one of the world's oldest and most significant monastic libraries. Its collection includes ancient texts and even a replica of a 16th century globe. Address: Klosterhof 6D, 9000 St. Gallen, Switzerland 2. STATE LIBRARY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA On one hand, this 189-year-old library houses a vast collection of documents tracing South Australian history from pre-colonial times. On the other, one particular wing – the famed Mortlock Chamber, established in 1884 decades after the library as a whole had been built – is so beautiful that it's available to hire for present day formal dinners, wedding receptions and cocktail parties. Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia 1. THE LIBRARY OF TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN (IRELAND) The most beautiful library in the world for 2025 is housed within a university where students might as well be studying at Hogwarts. Often likened to the magical library from the Harry Potter series, the Library of Trinity College Dublin is Ireland's largest, home to thousands of rare manuscripts. Its scholarly grandeur feels only fitting. Address: Old Library, College Green, South-East Inner City, Dublin 2, D02 VR66, Ireland 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL BOOKSTORES IN THE WORLD Does an aesthetically pleasing bookstore improve book sales or help to boost reading culture? The answer is debatable. Still, this selection might make even the most jaded believe again in the power of independent bookselling in the digital age. A total of 19 bookstores were shortlisted for voting, based on metrics ranging from social media engagement to online reviews. 5. WORD ON THE WATER (UK) It's often said that reading can transport you to another world – but rarely is it as literal as stepping aboard a floating bookstore. Permanently moored on Regent's Canal in London, Word on the Water is a barge turned bookshop offering a curated mix of new and secondhand titles in English. Its charm is matched only by its eclectic lineup of events, including poetry readings and writing workshops. Address: Regent's Canal Towpath, London N1C 4LW, United Kingdom 4. THE GENTLY MAD BOOKSHOP (UK) Where has the Queen of England had her books bound? Here, apparently. This family-run bookbinder specialises in leather and cloth-bound volumes, offering expert restoration services. On the retail side, the store focuses on used and antiquarian books, with a curated selection spanning children's literature, art, philosophy and local interest. Address: 2 Summer Pl, Edinburgh EH3 5NR, United Kingdom 3. EL ATENEO GRAND SPLENDID (ARGENTINA) As expected, this isn't the Argentine bookshop's first accolade. In 2019, National Geographic named it the world's most gorgeous bookstore. Never mind that it has only a small section of English titles – finding a spot to read under its painted domed ceiling and ornate mouldings makes it well worth the trip. Set in a 1919 theatre house, it has transformed viewing boxes into reading nooks, with shelves lining the main floor and the former stage now serving as a cafe with a view overlooking the store. Address: Av. Sta. Fe 1860, C1123 Cdad. Autonoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina 2. SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY (FRANCE) Some might have first learnt of Shakespeare and Company in the mid-2010s, when stylised photos of it made the rounds on microblogging site Tumblr. Founded in Paris in 1951, this English-language bookshop has reportedly counted literary icons like James Baldwin and Anais Nin among its clientele. The area itself holds heritage significance too, with the store located across the renowned Notre-Dame Cathedral. Address: 37 Rue de la Bucherie, 75005 Paris, France 1. BOEKHANDEL DOMINICANEN (NETHERLANDS) Housed in a restored 13th-century Gothic church, this multi-level bookstore blends historic architecture with contemporary offerings. Beneath soaring vaulted ceilings and original frescoes, you can browse a wide range of titles and even explore a music section stocked with CDs and vinyl records. The space also has a cafe that hosts readings, live music performances – and with its newest accolade, perhaps many more book lovers from around the world in due time. Address: Dominicanerkerkstraat 1, 6211 CZ Maastricht, Netherlands WAIT, WHAT ABOUT ASIA? While the 1000 Libraries Awards team may have shortlisted a few book places in Asia, beauty is in the eye of the beholder after all. A single Asian spot – a bookstore in China – made it to the Top 10 in its list. DUJIANYAN ZHONGSHUGE (CHINA) This literary haven at the second floor of a shopping mall in Chengdu was named the sixth most beautiful bookstore in the world, according to the 200,000 voters. One thing's for sure: It's certainly Instagrammable. The mirrored ceiling reflects its high arches, tall columns, curved bookcases and spiral staircase, making it feel like you're amongst neverending shelves. The biggest challenge just might be leaving the place.
CTV News
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Fans say new romance bookstores and online groups are giving the genre some overdue respect
Roses are displayed atop a bookshelf of romance titles at The Ripped Bodice bookstore in Culver City, Calif., on July 3, 2025, (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Romance novels have always spiced up quiet nights. Now, a genre that has sometimes been dismissed as a guilty pleasure is bringing readers and writers together through social media, book clubs and a growing number of romance-specific bookstores. At a recent launch party for Nora Dahlia's enemies-to-friends romance 'Pick-Up' at Lovestruck Books, a romance-dedicated store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a crowd of women sipped cocktails from the bar-café as they browsed the shelves. After Dahlia's reading, patrons stuck around to mingle, swap contact info and trade author recommendations. It was a particularly social event for a book talk. But the communal atmosphere is typical of events for romance fans. Dahlia likened romance readers to 'Comic-Con folks,' referring to the deep-rooted passion that defines comic-book fandom. 'They're educated on the genre in a real way,' Dahlia said. 'Many of them started reading romance — Danielle Steel, V.C. Andrews, Jude Deveraux — as teenagers.' At The Ripped Bodice bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, manager Katherine Zofrea said romance fans who have connected online frequently come into the store to meet in person. Along with author events, the store hosts three different book clubs and a romance comedy night. 'We've had a couple proposals here, we've had a wedding here which was really fun,' Zofrea said. She said customers range 'from teenagers who are starting to really get into the romance genres to older folks who have been romance readers for their entire lives and remember way back when they were reading the Harlequins and romance wasn't as widely accepted. 'Now they're loving seeing how widely accepted romance has become.' A boom in romance bookstores Bookstores like Lovestruck and The Ripped Bodice (which has a flagship store in Los Angeles) have begun popping up all over the U.S., from Wichita, Kansas, to Wilmington, North Carolina, to Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Of the 157 romance-dedicated bookstores in the American Booksellers Association, more than half opened within the last two years, said Allison Hill, CEO of the trade group for independent sellers. 'Romance books have been one of the fastest growing book sales categories in recent years, driven by a number of factors including the need for escape reading and BookTok,' Hill said. And the genre has evolved. 'The romance genre is more diverse in every way including character identity and plot,' she said. Lovestruck's owner, Rachel Kanter, called the boom 'incredible — and honestly, overdue. Romance has always been one of the most commercially successful genres, but for a long time it didn't get the respect or space it deserved in the literary world.' Romance-specific bookstores, she says, 'are places where readers can feel joy, comfort, and connection — and where love is taken seriously as a literary theme.' A lifeline during COVID As with many hobbies, romance fandom solidified and expanded after the COVID-19 pandemic. 'The pandemic had pushed so many people toward reading for escape and comfort, and romance became a lifeline for a lot of folks,' said Kanter. 'At the same time, there was a wider cultural shift happening — people were rethinking what mattered, craving joy and softness, and looking to support indie businesses that reflected their values. Romance, with all its hope and heart, met that moment beautifully," she said. Reimagining the romantic bond Romance has countless subgenres — hockey romance, Western romance, LGBTQ romance, even romance set on prison planets. But a common theme is their 'inherently hopeful storylines,' says Elizabeth Michaelson Monaghan, a 52-year-old freelance writer and editor in New York who said she's read 'hundreds' of romance novels. 'Romance must have a happily-ever-after — or at least a happily-for-now. Romance writers and readers are very clear on this,' she said. Romantic fiction that doesn't end that way? That's just a love story. Traits of the romance genre also include strong character descriptions, attraction, conflict, and a satisfying resolution and emotional growth. Expect plenty of steam — some authors deploy it explicitly, others are more tame. There's a long-standing culture of (mostly) women reading and sharing these books across generations. 'It is pleasurable to reimagine courtship or the romantic bond,' said Jayashree Kamble, professor of English at LaGuardia Community College and president of the International Association for the Study of Popular Romance. 'There is limited risk involved.' Kamble has been a voracious romance reader since her teenage years in India, where she devoured Harlequin romances. Romance novels, she said, are 'a lovely reminder that individualism and companionship can go together. These are basic bonds.' Community: online and in real life Podcasts, too, have become a source for discovering what's trending. Andrea Martucci, creator and host of the romance-focused 'Shelf Love' podcast, said romance bookstores have become places of connection akin, in some ways, to churches — for the romantically devoted. 'I can go to a bookstore and not just find people who love books,' she said, 'but find people who love the very same books I love.' As Annabel Monaghan, author of several love stories including 'Nora Goes Off Script,' puts it, 'People who read romance want to feel good. And when you gather a bunch of people who want to feel good, it's magic.' Tracee M. Herbaugh, The Associated Press
Fast Company
03-07-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Looking for a summer read? Barnes & Noble is on track to open more than 60 new bookstores this year. Here's where
Nothing says summer more than a trip to the beach, and for many people, that includes the perfect summer read. If you're looking, here's some good news: After a decade of downsizing, partly due to Amazon's rise combined with changes in consumer behavior, bookstores are back—with Barnes & Noble leading the renaissance with a major expansion, on track to open over 60 new bookstores in 2025 alone, according to a spokesperson for the bookseller. The retailer currently runs approximately 600 bookstores nationwide, as well as online. Halfway through the year, Barnes & Noble told Fast Company it has already opened 23 bookstores in 2025. '[We] are enjoying a period of tremendous growth as the strategy to hand control of each bookstore to its local booksellers has proven so successful,' a spokesperson for Barnes & Noble said. 'We are experiencing strong sales in existing stores and have been opening many new stores as a result.' In the early 2000s, Barnes & Noble opened 30 stores or more a year, but simultaneously closed about half that number too, according to The Wall Street Journal. By 2013, a decade later, it was on track to close about a third of its brick-and-mortar retail stores, and would continue shrinking over the next 10 years. But by 2023, consumer demand was back, and the bookseller started ramping up again. As Fast Company previously reported, the resurgence is thanks in large part to social media, in particular, TikTok 's #BookTok. But some credit also goes to a rise in so-called third spaces—places people are flocking to post-pandemic that are neither home nor work, as Americans seek real connection amid an epidemic of loneliness now plaguing our nation (especially among Gen Z). As Americans spend more time at home and on their devices, many now have fewer friends (particularly men) and fewer social outlets. But many new bookstores today are opening with a cafe or even a bar to allow for more interaction, like New York City's Book Club Bar and Bibliotheque, or (my personal favorite) Boston's romance novel bookstore, Lovestruck Books. 'Bookstores are a social spot to gather and offer that third space that online shopping cannot provide,' Barnes & Noble told Fast Company. 'Our booksellers are knowledgeable and can provide a dedicated customer service to the in store shopper.' Here's a list of locations where Barnes & Noble has already opened new stores, as well as a list of states where it will be opening new locations in 2025. New Barnes & Noble locations opened in 2025 Barnes & Noble locations expected to open in the second half of 2025 A spokesperson for Barnes & Noble told Fast Company that the company has signed leases to open additional stores in the following states: Pennsylvania New Hampshire Washington South Dakota Texas Massachusetts Tennessee New Jersey Kansas Minnesota Maryland California Louisiana Florida Idaho Michigan Colorado Ohio District of Columbia
