Ann Arbor's Literati Bookstore has been named one of five finalists for Publishers Weekly's Bookstore of the Year award.
"This honor adds some pep in our step," says Mike Gustafson, co-owner of Literati Bookstore. "It is wonderful to be recognized and acknowledged."
The award salutes bookstores that have made a significant impact to the bookselling industry.
Although Literati is still fairly new to the scene, having opened in 2013, the store has worked hard to make a mark by being a general community resource.
It hosts hundreds of author events and readings, many of which are free. Literati also supports local writers and charities, hosts book clubs, and works with area businesses and organizations.
"At the national level, we are very involved with our trade association, the American Booksellers Association," Gustafson says. "We are also involved with the Independent Booksellers Consortium, which is a small group of some of the nation's top independent bookstores."
Gustafson is thrilled that Literati's work is not going unnoticed in the bookselling industry.
"I think it is affirmation that we are on the right track," he says.
The award winner will be announced in March and presented at BookExpo in New York City in May.
"But to be included in the shortlist, it feels like we have already won," Gustafson says.
Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder is a freelance writer and editor currently based in Ann Arbor. She can be reached at jaishreeedit@gmail.com.
Photos courtesy of Literati Bookstore.
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