Bookmans would like to encourage everyone to burn their books* as long as they can contain the fire. Maybe a few flags could be burned along the way as well. It's a free speech country and Bookmans stands firm for the free marketplace of ideas.

We are dedicating the entire month of September to the right to express ideas as well as the right to be exposed to those ideas. To that end, along side our regularly scheduled events, we've added events to get your dander up about attempts to supress your rights. Might we recommend Bookmans and Apollo 12 take on censorship through improv, Sept. 17 at Bookmans in Mesa? Alternatively, get geared up and wear your statement on censorship.

* Actually, Bookmans doesn't endorse burning books of any sort, but we do recommend knowing your rights.

First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Fourth Amendment: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Featured in conjuntion with the exciting reunion of Tucson’s legendary bands during the Hotel Congress 25th Anniversary Party, it's the 4th Annual Record Fest! This anticipated Labor Day Weekend celebration is the perfect setting to hold this year’s Vinyl Revival -- an event that passionate or novice record collectors and lovers of all things vinyl will not want to miss! This Saturday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Record Fest will be on a mission to revive some of Tucson’s best music and it's totally FREE to the public.

September is Anti-Censorship Month at Bookmans, and September 26th through October 2nd is nationwide Banned Book Week! Bookmans Flagstaff is doing our part to support everyone's right to read, watch, and listen to what we choose, as promised by our first amendment rights. Throughout eras and cultures, amazing art of all kinds has been censored. For example, did you know Alice in Wonderland was once banned for “portraying humans and animals on the same level” and that most of Shakespeare's works were banned at one time or another for violence and sexual innuendo? Regardless of personal preference, Bookmans believes you should have the right to choose your art. Here are some FREE events in Flagstaff to enjoy watching and reading banned books and film:

You Are Closer to Heaven (in the Church Basement), where we do the Good Lord’s work. Everywhere you look you see spectacular sights: 40 kinds of food to feed some fierce appetites, nearly new linoleum and fluorescent lights, managed by a stalwart squad, here below the house of God.

Beginning with this infectious opening tune, Broadway Palm Dinner Theater offers up yet another very entertaining evening with their latest production of "Church Basement Ladies." Having served over 700,000 guests since opening its doors in 2001, the Broadway Palm continues to impress with its style. Before the show, guests sit down to a perfectly cooked Prime Rib dinner, offered a beverage of choice, and a wide array of desserts (Triple Chocolate Cake!).

Bookmans and Live Nation want to send you and a friend to see KISS and special guests, The Academy Is, for their “The Hottest Show On Earth” Tour as it comes to Phoenix. Starting September 10th and ending the 19th, drop by Bookmans Phoenix or Bookmans Mesa and enter to win a pair of tickets to the show at Cricket Pavilion.

Each store will notify their winners on Monday, September 20th.

Visit KISS online to join the KISS army, buy KISS clothing, or simply revel in the glory that is KISS.

Each week, Bookmans Flagstaff is getting closer to reopening, and the work preparing for the new store is also picking-up. For this reason, the last buy and sell date at the Chamber of Commerce will be tomorrow, Saturday September 11th, from 10am to 4pm, with the last deal accepted at 3:45pm. If you miss tomorrow, you'll have one last chance to buy and sell (before the store reopens) outside of Pine Mountain Amphitheater during Pickin' in the Pines, September 17th, 18th, and 19th. Folks don't need to be attending the festival to visit the 20x20 buy/sell booth, since it will be located outside of PMA in the parking area, just across from the fairgrounds.

Pickin' in the Pines welcomes people of all ages to the three-day, family-friendly festival in Flagstaff. Festival planners have scheudled a number of events over the course of the weekend that are specially designed for young people. Featured events include Todd's Musical Petting Zoo, performances by Chuck Cheesman’s “Dancing with No Shoes On”, arts and crafts, bubbles, dancing, snacks and -- well, who could ask for anything more? Okay, then Bookmans will also be there decorating tote bags with children of all ages. And still more? Children aged 16 and under are admitted free with their grownups! (Sorry, kiddos, you do have to bring your adult.)

A major draw to Pickin' in the Pines 2010 in Flagstaff this coming weekend is the contra dancing. In fact, Pickin' has a special schedule set up around contra dances that includes workshops for beginners. Some folks will be all over that while others are still asking, "What's contra dance?"

Bookmans is proud to support the amazing resources and educational opportunities at the Tucson Botanical Gardens, and there are some incredible classes happening in September, including An Inside Look at Butterfly Magic from 6 to 8 p.m., today!

This weekend is Pickin' in the Pines 2010 at the Pine Mountain Amphitheater in Flagstaff, and Bookmans is a proud sponsor. Bookmans Flagstaff is buying and selling for the last time before the store reopens, giving away free "Listening is Not a Crime" tee-shirts, creating an interactive art project called the listening wall, and a lot more. Today Bookmans sponsored Chuck Cheesman's kids show, which will happen again tomorrow, Sunday September 19th, at 1pm - right after the kids' parade. Bookmans will also hold kids reusable tote bag decorating at 3pm in the Kid Zone. There's a lot more fun and great music on tap for tomorrow, the last day of Pickin' in the Pines, so come on down, listen to bluegrass and visit your Bookmans Flagstaff friends.

Bookmans Flagstaff held its last buying and selling event at the Chamber of Commerce and Pine Mountain Amphitheater this month, and will now be focusing all attention on the final push toward reopening the store. Although we are a bit sad that the traveling circus has come to an end, we are very pleased with the fun and success of our summer buying and selling events.

Tucson Weekly just published their Best of Tucson lists and Bookmans Entertainment is pleased and humbled that you voted for us in two categories. We take pride in bringing you the best in used books, music, movies, and home decor and are greatful you recognized our efforts by voting us Best Used Bookstore. Congratulations also to The Book Stop and Mostly Books.

Additionally, you supported Joe Pagac's Rialto Theatre and Bookmans murals, especially as they have come under fire recently. Visit Joe's website for more information on this talented artist.

Bookmans Entertainment Exchange appreciates your business and your support. Thank you Tucson, and thank you Tucson Weekly.

Last week, the construction workers at the Flagstaff store site started sheetrocking. Right now, it appears that the rebuild is on schedule. One can see the back room, the stairs to the offices, the sheet rocked walls, the big built-in light fixture over the new trade counter – it's all very exciting.

Launching their 10th season in grand style, the Broadway Palm Theater presents Some Like It Hollywood -- a premiere so big it will run two nights! Bookmans wants you to go and so we've partnered with Broadway Palm to give away two free tickets to one lucky winner.

The Phoenix Rainbows Festival is celebrating 10 years and Bookmans is a proud sponsor! Arizona's Greatest Street Fair is back again this weekend, Oct. 2 and 3 in Downtown Phoenix at Heritage Square Park. Each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can find Bookmans in the Yellow section for your chance to win an exclusive 2010 Rainbows Festival, Bookmans Celebrates Diversity T-shirt! We will have chances to win by entering a three-legged race or a sack race. We will also have our popular pride ribbons, beads, candy, and of course award-winning personalities! At Bookmans we are excited to be a part of this glorious weekend where several non-profits benefit from fundraising efforts. The support of these various organizations allows the Rainbows Festival to make annual donations that benefit the Phoenix LGBT community and the greater Phoenix metro community. Bring your friends, family, and even pets to this two-day outdoor event that is free to attend! We highly recommend visiting this FAQ of the event on the Rainbows Festival website before attending.