tgrJams - The Official BLOG! - tgrJams's Blog - The Southwest Voice

tgrJams - The Official BLOG! - tgrJams's Blog - The Southwest Voice http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/tgrJams I'll be writing about what's on my mind at the time. It'll be about events, feelings, thoughts and life in general. Hopefully, you'll become involved and set me straight on all of these topics! LOL! I'll be writing about what's on my mind at the time. It'll be about events, feelings, thoughts and life in general. Hopefully, you'll become involved and set me straight on all of these topics! LOL! en-us Local Bookstore: Just what is that? http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/tgrJams/25639 http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/tgrJams/25639 <p>This has been asked of me as of late... what constitutes a local bookstore?  Is it a family owned store or a corporate "big box" store?  Is it the people they employ?  Is it the contributions one makes to the local community?  Is it the store's involvement in the community?  Is it in the name?</p> <p>I can answer "yes" to all these questions.</p> <p>Someone came up to me the other day and mentioned that we almost didn't get an order from another organization because they wanted to go with the "local bookstore".  Now, if you've read my profile, you'd know that I'm with Barnes & Noble, and we've been in Bakersfield now for almost ten years.  So, I countered with... "uh... aren't we local?" Last I checked, I go to work in Bakersfield.</p> <p>While I can understand the perception that we aren't local - I must explain that it's a huge misconception.  We are, in fact, <i>very local.</i>  We are located in Bakersfield, on California Avenue and even have a college store at CSUB (it's kind of its own store separate from us, but, still local).  But then people say, "Well, you don't keep the money here in Bakersfield"... Also not true.</p> <p>Truth is, we employ people that live here, shop here, pay taxes here, use gas stations here, go to college here, have kids that go to public schools here, go to doctor's here and buy houses here - among other things. </p> <p>We contribute to schools, libraries and charitable organizations by way of donations of cash and/or product.  We support local schools, literacy and arts organizations throughout the year.  I myself have contributed time and effort in many citywide events!  We have hosted fundraising organizations in our store, at our expense, and have made large donations to the fundraiser, as well! </p> <p>Then they say, "Well, a percentage of your money goes to "<i>the corporation</i>".  Yes... it does.  At other stores a percentage of the money earned goes to the owner of that store... same thing - in a way.  But with us, it allows our store to better perform for you!  It ensures that your product will be placed in your hand, if not immediately from off our shelves, then as quickly as possible from our warehouse.   </p> <p>Giving back to the community is a big way we consider ourselves local.  In fact, this week (April 26 thru May 4) we are allowing all educators (pre-K thru 12) to enjoy a <b>25% discount </b>on all things for school and <i>PERSONAL</i> purchases!  They get to save <b>10%</b> in the movie and music section as well!  This is something special we do for our educators who don't get recognized enough for the work they do.  <i><b>On Friday, May 2nd, they can come into the store at 6:00 AM and enjoy private shopping and a continental breakfast - and win prizes, too!  How's that for supporting our local educators?!?</b></i></p> <p>And it doesn't end there.  We have events that cater to our local community throughout the year!  Just stop in and grab one of our event calendars and see just how many things we do year round to serve you... our community. </p> <p>So - What is a local bookstore?  We are. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Title: American Girl.gif
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: American Girl.gif
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: Blood Harvest.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: Blood Harvest.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: Chronicles of Kern County.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: Chronicles of Kern County.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: Friday Night Heroes 1.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: Friday Night Heroes 1.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: If The Forest Is Silent, Beware!.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: If The Forest Is Silent, Beware!.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: My Breath Ballet.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: My Breath Ballet.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: My Quirky Grandma.gif
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: My Quirky Grandma.gif
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: What Bird.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: What Bird.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: BNBooksellers.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

Title: BNBooksellers.jpg
Caption:
Credit: tgrJams

American Girl.gif tgrJams Blood Harvest.jpg tgrJams Chronicles of Kern County.jpg tgrJams Friday Night Heroes 1.jpg tgrJams If The Forest Is Silent, Beware!.jpg tgrJams My Breath Ballet.jpg tgrJams My Quirky Grandma.gif tgrJams What Bird.jpg tgrJams BNBooksellers.jpg tgrJams Hmmm... What to Say, What to Say... ??? http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/tgrJams/24519 http://www.swvoice.com/home/Blog/tgrJams/24519 <p>I guess since I've decided to become a part of this community, I should add something worthwhile. </p> <p>I will... just not today.  Too tired.  (sigh)</p> <p>:-)</p>