Monday, December 24, 2012

Felices Fiestas!


Dear bookstore friends and fans,

THANK YOU for your support of La Casa Azul Bookstore during our first year.
A year ago the bookstore had just received a shipment of bookshelves, the color scheme for the walls was finalized, the floor plan was being revised and trips to the hardware store were frequent. 


Since our opening in June, you have been great supporters of East Harlem's independent bookstore. Nothing has made us happier than being able to provide you with the hundreds of books that we love and want to share with the world!
 

We know you have many choices when it come to where to buy books, thank you for choosing La Casa Azul Bookstore. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Internship opportunities at La Casa Azul Bookstore!


La Casa Azul Bookstore is currently looking for a few good interns who wish to learn the ins and outs of running a business while enriching lives through reading, writing, and the power of books!

Are you the type of person who delights at your guests looking through your books, but spends hours re-organizing them after they leave? Do you save money on your heating bill because the books covering your wall act as insulation? When you see someone using a e-reader on the train, do you wish it had a dust jacket on it so you could see what they are reading and strike up a conversation about it?

If so, you may be perfect for a position at La Casa Azul Bookstore!

The internships last for 12-16 weeks (longer internships available) and interns work 8 - 12 hours/week. Spring internship is February – May. Opportunities are available for undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates who are considering careers in the arts, education, business and publishing.  College credit may be arranged.

Deadline to submit internship applications for Spring 2013 is Sunday January 13, 2013 at 6pm.

2 intern positions available (please read full descriptions below)
1. Marketing & Communications intern
2. Operations intern


All internships are unpaid, but there are a number of great perks, including free books, flexible hours, fun-loving co-workers, and more. Most importantly, you will learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business. Plus, it will earn you a number of professional contacts, and looks great on a resume!

Qualifications include strong communication skills, an outgoing personality, superior organizational skills, and an infectious passion for the written word.

ALL applicants must submit:
1.      Creative cover letter
2.      Resume (with 2 references)
3.      Answer to question: Why are you interested in an internship at La Casa Azul Bookstore (1 page max, separate from cover letter)
4.      Schedule information (days/hours available from Wednesday – Sunday between the hours of 12pm – 8pm)

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday January 13, at 6pm - via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
The Marketing and Communications intern gets to be involved in a wide variety of Marketing & Promotions tasks, which include assisting with the promotion of various events, and a variety of in-house communications, processing and archiving media coverage; developing relationships with local and national journalists; and offering creative input in developing pitches. Additional support with marketing initiatives as needed.

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, Photo Shop, Power Point and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work

Apply by: Sunday January 13, 2013 at 6pm
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN (Spring2013)


OPERATIONS INTERN
The Operations intern will have the unique opportunity to have direct contact with the general public, learn the ins and outs of working at both a bookstore, and a locally-owned, independent business.
Tasks include: Providing excellent customer service including greeting shoppers, locating sections or titles, recommending books, and helping with transactions. Assisting with daily store processes and procedures including sorting books and merchandise, stocking shelves, and creating displays. Helping to plan and execute events such as storytime, book clubs, author sessions in the store, sales, and other projects as assigned.
Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).

Desired qualities/skills:
Dynamic, self-motivated, outgoing, highly organized individual with good research skills, including exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and capacity for working with diverse populations. Ease with technology is a must, including knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and social media (Facebook and Twitter).

Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).
Must bring your own laptop or tablet to work 

 
APPLY BY:
ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday January 13, at 6pm - via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: OPERATIONS INTERN (Spring2013)


Though we are never at a loss for something to read, we can't wait to read your application!

No incomplete applications will be considered.
Please do not contact the store with further questions or to inquire about selection.

Thank you!
La Casa Azul Bookstore

Friday, December 14, 2012

Meet Your Local Author Day!


 
We had a DELIGHTFUL time at ‘meet your local author’ day last Sunday December 9th!

The range of works by local authors is extraordinary!  
You can pick up a book of Spanish verse, find a comic book about Latinos in Manhattan, learn how to make a cocktail, enjoy a bilingual children’s book, compare experiences growing up on the border, follow characters through stories that span decades and continents. 

Authors and fans mingled, enjoying the guacamole (thank you Arlen Gargagliano!) and hot chocolate provided by Chocolate HERNAN.  
 

 
There are  many opportunities to find a new voice to follow, stop by our shelves to see what local author you want to get to know!

A list of the authors we hosted on Sunday:
Abraham Garcia Alvarado
Arlene Davila
Arlen Gargagliano
Charlie Vazquez
Charles Rice Gonzalez
Chris Bell
Dalhma Llanos Figueroa
Elizabeth Balaguqer
Erasmo Guerra
Ernesto Quinonez
Felipe Galindo
Gema Santamaria
Jake Perez
Junot Diaz
Manuel Melendez
Maria Arrillaga
Miguel Angel Ruiz
Marshalla Ramos
Maria Aponte
Manuel Fihman
Myrna Nieves
Mirta Ojito
Nina Jaffe
Nicholasa Mohr
Odette Casamayor
Raquel Penzo
Sergio Troncoso
Torrey Maldonado
Virginia Gift

We’ll soon be posting pictures of each author and what they had to say about La Casa Azul Bookstore!
(http://pinterest.com/lacasaazulbooks/)

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

2 events in one night!



Last Thursday December 6 was a busy night at La Casa Azul Bookstore. We hosted two important events: the screening of the rough-cut of the documentary Black and Cuba by Progressive Pupil and a reading by Sujeiry González from her book Love Trips, a collection of personal essays.


BLACK AND CUBA
Black and Cuba documents the intellectual journey that led a group of black students at Yale to study the history of diaspora and revolution in Cuba. The students eventually managed to fund a trip to Cuba, where they discovered a state of greater educational opportunities and a different model for embracing racial identity. The film is still a work-in-progress (though well on its way) and its makers ask for audience feedback at the end of the screenings. If you would like to attend one of their screenings or have a venue to propose, visit: http://progressivepupil.wordpress.com/tag/black-and-cuba/


Watch the trailer here: 
 



LOVE TRIPS 
Sujeiry González, author of Love Trips, shared her wit and experience at La Casa Azul Bookstore this Thursday. The evening included a round of the game ‘never have I ever’ (details on our twitter).

Her website, http://lovesujeiry.com/, describes the book like this:
 “Sujeiry Gonzalez is missing one thing in her life – the love of a man! Instead, she’s stuck with bad sex, boring studs and men who just can’t commit. In this relatable collection of personal essays, Sujeiry takes readers into her love trips. From 25 to 33 years of age, she describes her stumbles with humor, vulnerability and rawness. As you read, you will shake your head at Sujeiry’s drunk dialing and many breakdowns. You will laugh as she explores the world of psychics, brujos, and tarot. You will cry when she is heartbroken after committing to the wrong man (again!). Readers will root for Sujeiry to find love and the self-worth she lacks and needs. Most importantly, women everywhere will find an ally in Sujeiry, as we all desire the love of a King that deserves our heart.”

Entertaining, endearing, and insightful, the book has already gathered plenty of fans.

Come check it out at La Casa Azul Bookstore!
Visit: www.lacasaazulbookstore.com
Follow: @LaCasaAzulBooks

 

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Si! Bilingual is better!


We’d like to introduce you to an exciting new book on our shelves:





Bilingual is Better: Two Latina Moms on How the the Bilingual Parenting Revolution is Changing the Face of America is a book that responds to the question: “what if all children in America, regardless of their cultural background, would actually benefit from learning two languages?”

The authors, Roxana A. Soto and Ana L. Flores, are media professionals and the founders of the popular blog SpanglishBaby.com (voted a ‘must read Mom’s blog’ by Parenting Magazine).

Here they combine memoir with up-to-date research on the topic of bilingualism, debunking myths and offering tips and even a great list of resources at the end of the book.  

Come in and see how this book can speak to you.




 

And, while you’re at it, discover some delightful bilingual children’s books we have at La Casa Azul Bookstore, such as:
 

What Can You Do with a Paleta? by Carmen Tafolla, illustrated Magaly Morales


Hairs/ Pelitos by Sandra Cisneros, illustrated by Terry Ybáñez
 

Sonia Sotomayor: A Judge Grows in the Bronx/ La juez que creció en el Bronx by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Edel Rodríguez