This November Bookmans gives thanks. We are thankful for you, for your hard work and volunteerism, for the beautiful landscape of our home here in Arizona, for our four-legged (and feathered and scaly) friends, and for our freedom to express ourselves however we wish. Our own Harrison, of Bookmans Does Book Dominoes video fame, has put together a video collage of many of our experiences with you. While all our stores are included, the video isn't exhaustive of our outreach. It is a reminder that we are not just a store, but a members of the community. We are proud and humbled by your good work and generosity that allows us to be involved as well.

Thank you!

In case you were wondering, screen mesh on your fly swatter is the way to go. This according to Peter Taylor who recently celebrated his 25th year with Bookmans Entertainment Exchange and whose experience and insight has guided many Bookmans employees.

“Peter told me to pass on first novels at the buying counter, unless the second novel is a best seller,” says Katy Ransom, Director of Store Operations. “Of course he was right, they just don't sell. And he's right 99% of the time.”

“Peter is amazing. He has loyally contributed to the company while increasing the caliber of the buying counter the entire time he's been here,” says Kaia Pfaffl, Store Manager at Bookmans Speedway and Peter's former manager. “He trained all the buyers and in so doing created one of the best book departments anywhere.” Kaia continues, “Peter will tell you things straight, and he's innovative. His contribution to our online sales is major.”

People have come to rely on Peter, not just in the daily work of the store, but in their personal lives. Peter was presented with a certificate and a small bonus at a party in his honor at his home store, Bookmans Grant. Immediately afterwards, coworkers jokingly asked him for a loan. It's these same coworkers to whom Peter attributes his longevity with Bookmans. He says, “The 25 years I've been here speaks for itself. The employees are my family and the staff keeps me young.”

Thank you, Peter, for your professionalism and constant service that has served as an inspiration to the entire company and that has raised the caliber of our operations.

All aboard for Story Town, put on your creativity hats and hop on, just don't be the caboose. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 6 in front of the Joel D Valdez Main Library in Downtown Tucson you can get all of your FREE family fun. Be sure to visit the Bookmans booth for music time with our own Nature, a recycled instrument making session, and information about our super fantastic kids programs. This event helps promote early literacy in southern Arizona, and that's something we think should be touted. Climb aboard for this FREE fun-filled journey in Downtown Tucson. For more information visit the Make Way For Books website.

We pretty much live in a state of adoration around Bookmans. We love cult classics, we love local venues like The Loft Cinema, and we love Music for Eels. By now dedicated Bookmans.com readers all know about Ticket Tuesdays, designed to show our love.

Today we honor ten years of service on the part of Steve Paschall. Every one of those years was spent in the Bookmans warehouse where he has been the "backbone of the warehouse and essential in distributing acquisitions to the stores," according to Wharehouse and Online Sales Manager Aaron Thornburg.

Steve's wife of 25 years, Gayle joined Bookmans employees in a celebration with food from Mosaic Cafe and Gayle's own brownies made from a secret family recipe forged through the ages (and posted on the refrigerator of the break room afterwards). After the feast, Steve was presented a plaque and a bonus check, which he dutifully handed over to Gayle.

"I appreciate Bookmans buying a brand new warehouse for my anniversary. I hope to have as much fun in the next ten years as I have in the past ten years," says Steve. Bookmans will be lucky indeed to get another ten years of his employ not just because of his contributions to the company, but also because we enjoy hearing tales of his colorful and action-packed life experiences.

Thank you Steve, for your hard work, reliability, and story telling.

The arts are alive and well in Tucson and we are packing our calendar with movies, metal and music. Among the events we plan to attend are The Loft Film Fest, Cosmo's Moon Open House and an intimate concert featuring local musicians playing Vivaldi.

Drivers by on Speedway have no doubt noticed by now the tents set up in the parking lot of The Loft Cinema as they gear up for their first film festival. The Loft Film Fest is an eight-day celebration of film that began yesterday and will run through November 18, complete with guest appearances by filmmakers and personalities including Larry McMurtry, Diana Osanna, Chris Eyre, Alex Cox, Carlos Reygades. Rosanna Arquette and Griffin Dunne were in attendance for Thursday night's opening film, Martin Scorsese's After Hours.

Admin. Note: We're experiencing techinical difficulties after performing routine maintenance on our website. While we resolve those issues, please join us for a nice game of Tetris.

We pretty much live in a state of adoration around Bookmans. We love cult classics, we love local venues like The Loft Cinema, and we love man-made monsters. By now dedicated Bookmans.com readers all know about Ticket Tuesdays, designed to show our love.

Clear your calendar to check out the fast lane ladies of the Tucson Roller Derby!

What do you get when you mix helmets, fishnet stockings and femme fatals? The Tucson Roller Derby, you dunce! This babelicious bout will be at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 20 at the Tucson Convention Center. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and don't forget to purchase their commemorative button. Bookmans is proud to sponsor these hot mamas, so stop by and watch the beat down while supporting our local ladies. Just remember these hot mamas don't mess around, but as always these bouts are family friendly.

Admin. Note: We're still experiencing technical difficulties after performing routine maintenance on our website that may or may not impact your ability to comment on this post. I can't say I've lost sleep over it as much as I've gained a better perspective on Jesco White.

We pretty much live in a state of adoration around Bookmans. We love cult classics, we love local venues like The Loft Cinema, and we love Turkey Day. By now dedicated Bookmans.com readers all know about Ticket Tuesdays, designed to ensure a yummy Thanksgiving (Yes, I know that makes no sense, but The Loft has some yummy victuals in their snack bar).

We wish the extended Bookmans family (that's you) a happy Thanksgiving! We are taking the day off and hope you will too. All Bookmans locations will be closed for the holiday.

This turkey was brought to you by Hudlow Elementary School in Tucson.

Our stores will resume regular store hours, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Black Friday. Meanwhile, we are going to loosen our belts for the feast. What are your plans?

As we resume normal business hours for Black Friday we ask, what are your plans for Saturday? Might we suggest you participate in Small Business Saturday? What is Small Business Saturday all about? To help you with these questions, we've put together a carnival of Small Business Saturday, starting with NBC's Today Show where American Express CEO Ken Chenault discusses the thinking behind the movement.

By now you know, we love cult classics, we love local venues like The Loft Cinema, and we love that you had so much patience the last two weeks when the website went wonky. To make up for that we're having TWO Ticket Tuesday today (watch for another post soon).