The NVNR Bookstore Bus Tours are a signature event of the conference. Booksellers may think of the New Voices New Rooms conference as a place to learn what is happening in the book industry, but NVNR is also a place where the book industry comes to learn about indie bookstores. A key part of the NVNR mission is to showcase NAIBA and SIBA bookstores to publishers, vendors, and authors, and to strengthen the relationships between independent bookstores and their publisher and vendor partners.
Showcasing bookstores is one reason why the first day of the conference is always dedicated to tours of indie bookstores in the conference city. The greater Baltimore area is home to a wide variety of active and community-focused indie bookstores — one of the reasons Baltimore is known as "The City That Reads."
NVNR will have three different tours visiting a total of ten different bookstores — each with its own character and focus. At each stop on booksellers will hear from the store staff about something the bookstore does well and feels is central to their mission. Visit NVNR to read program details.
NVNR thanks Bookshop.org for their sponsorship of this year’s bus tours.
Bus Tour 1: The Ivy Bookstore, Atomic Books and Urban Reads Bookstore
Bus Tour 2: Snug Books, Bird in Hand, Greedy Reads: Remington
(Wheelchair Accessible Bus, confirmed accessible destinations)
Bus Tour 3: Greedy Reads, Charm City, Growing Minds & Backwater Books
A bus tour ticket is $50 per person and is not included in the attendee pass. The tours run from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm on Sunday, August 3rd. Time has been built in to allow booksellers to browse and talk to the store staff, but attendees will be back in plenty of time to attend the Early Bird Reception — always the “kick off” event of the conference.
Some tips from experts on how to make the most of the bus tour:
- Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. Yes, there is a fair amount of sitting on a bus, but there is also a not-so-surprising amount of standing and walking.
- Bring water. Visiting multiple bookstores and talking to other booksellers is thirsty work.
- Take many, many photos! Each tour includes a range of store types and models. No matter what tour you are on you will see some things that you want to try in your store. Take a picture so you won’t forget.
- If several people from your store are going on the tours, split up and take different tours. Compare notes when you get back.
- Check with NVNR if you have accessibility requirements or concerns. Tour 2 will have a wheelchair accessible bus, and confirmed accessible destinations. The NVNR teams can advise on other accessibility questions.
Booksellers know that they get some of their best ideas from other booksellers. The NVNR Bookstore Tour is not only a showcase of the vibrant book culture in Atlanta, it’s a great opportunity to get new ideas and meet new friends.