Sunday, August 18, 2013

Internship opportunities at La Casa Azul Bookstore! (Fall 2013)

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!
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!

The internships last for 12-16 weeks (longer internships available) and interns work 8 - 12 hours/week. Fall internship is September 10, 2013 – January 5, 2014. Opportunities are available for high school seniors, undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates who are considering careers in the arts, education, business, marketing and publishing.  College credit may be arranged.

Deadline to submit internship applications for Fall 2013 is Friday September 6, 2013 at 6pm.
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 

Desired qualities/skills for all interns:
  • 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

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 Monday – Sunday between the hours of 12pm – 8pm) (desired shift 4-8pm)

EVENTS INTERN (NEED 1)
·         Assist before, during, and after in-store and off-site events. Tasks will include:
·         Arrange seating and bookshelves
·         Set up book/item displays
·         Arrange for any necessary audio-visual equipment setup prior to the event
·         Formulate text for all Social Media web sites (Twitter, Facebook etc.)
·         Other tasks as assigned

Events Intern must be available 4pm - 8pm (Wednesday – Saturday) and 2-6pm on Sundays
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: EVENTS INTERN ( Fall 2013)


VIDEO INTERN (NEED 1)


La Casa Azul Bookstore is seeking a video intern, with strong editing skills and a good eye for compelling visual storytelling. This unpaid, part-time internship provides an outstanding opportunity to gain video editing experience and build a strong portfolio.  

 Intern will be part of the initial planning with staff and must be able to commit to a full semester (September – January 6, 2014).

Ideal for recent graduates, willing and eager to work in a fast paced environment and with an ability to work well with others.


Responsabilities  include: 
organize and archive auvio-visual material; create short compelling videos of past events; create a Youtube channel; prepare all other video-related material for marketing purposes.



Qualifications:

  • Candidates should have experience filming and editing footage, preferably for promotional purposes. Should be able to structure and coordinate work hours, have strong technical skills, and feel comfortable working independently under creative guidance
  • Passion for video production and impactful storytelling.
  • Experience editing with iMovie and Final Cut Pro (Adobe Premiere also acceptable. Photoshop and Illustrator skills a plus).
  • Candidates must have an Apple computer with Final Cut Pro installed (or other editing software).



Schedule
  • 8-12 hours per week to last through the fall semester; flexible to work with college schedules.
  • When applying, please include resume and work samples.


Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 
Subject line: VIDEO INTERN ( Fall 2013)

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

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

La Casa Azul Bookstore is a cultural sancocho



I came to La Casa Azul Bookstore with one question, ‘who am I?’  

Now at the age of 66 I should know the answer to that.
I was looking for a mirror, a Rosetta Stone to the person I am.
So it was not outlandish for me to visit a bookstore specializing in Latino literature for this purpose. There may be other Latinos out there who have had the experience of being the child of a mentally ill parent.  

 
La Casa Azul Bookstore reflects the vision of an unassuming young woman Ms. Aurora Anaya-Cerda. When you step in, you are taken, because you are in the presence of family, people who breathe a love of Latino culture. Ms. Anaya-Cerda shares with you her love of books, paintings and music.
I told Ms. Aurora of my purpose and she listened respectfully letting me roam the bookstore and she made some recommendations. Luckily I followed her advice, and I came home and began reading Kissing the Mango Tree: Puerto Rican Women Rewriting American Literature
I found my mother in this book, the stories led me to understand her, but La Casa Azul Bookstore has led me to understand that I have been living the life of a cramped self.
   

The example of Ms. Aurora herself, and the authors on those shelves are testimony to who we are as a people. They normalize our being, capable of big things, of not being outsiders. In some manner, by creating this bookstore, Ms. Aurora Anaya-Cerda responds to our yearning , creating this space, using all the technologies at hand.

La Casa Azul Bookstore is a cultural sancocho -  as this is what Latinos are, a people of many people, lovers of things that bring joy, yet are not afraid to feel deeply, nor share their sorrows. A bookstore that is a cultural space though devoted to Latino culture is not limited to the traditional, but embraces everything that touches our lives. So come and part take of this multifaceted space, it is as expansive as the culture it represents.

This bookstore also has a tremendous impact as a healing space. The amphitheater of celebrating our souls, using all the modalities/arts for this purpose. Coming to this space is very meaningful to me, unconsciously I have been looking for this space since my childhood.   

La Casa Azul Bookstore means to me a healing space for our soul; people will speak of this bookstore in the future as a salon of Latino culture. 

Efrain
August 3, 2013