Tuesday, May 29, 2012

3 days of celebration!

La Casa Azul Bookstore (FINALLY)  
opens in El Barrio!  

Our celebration kicks off on Friday June 1st but we also have events on Saturday and Sunday - so you don't have an excuse for missing the festivities!

June 1, 6pm-8pm
Grand opening celebration!   
 La Casa Azul Bookstore will host its grand opening with a ribbon cutting, and the participation of authors, neighbors, campaign contributors and friends joining the celebration. The reception also includes a musical performance by the students of Mariachi Academy of New York and an art opening showcasing Artist Sol Aramendi photographs from the series "Tacto".

 
June 2, 12pm  
Sing along with ¡Acopladitos!
 
 
Musical storytelling with appealing music that parents would actually enjoy as much as their children!  

 
June 3, 3pm    
Reading with Nicholasa Mohr, author of "Nilda" 
Nicholasa Mohr's classic novel about life as an immigrant in New York City offers a poignant look at one young girl's experiences. Issues of race, religion and machismo are realistically and movingly depicted in this groundbreaking coming-of-age novel that was one of the first by a Latina author to be hailed by the mainstream media.

To view the event listings for June, visit the bookstore's website,www.lacasaazulbookstore.com/calendar.

  
CELEBRATE WITH US!!   

La Casa Azul Bookstore
143 E. 103rd St. 
East Harlem, NY 10029
212.426.2626 


RSVP for the opening party: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com  


Our goal is to create a community center in East Harlem for both readers and writers, to create a place where reading, writing and creative expression is encouraged, and a place where ideas, curiosity and community spirit are celebrated. 

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Join the celebration!


The day has finally arrived! 
Join me in celebrating the opening of 
La Casa Azul Bookstore

Friday June 1, 2012
6pm - 8pm 

La Casa Azul Bookstore
143 E. 103rd St. 
New York, NY 10029 


RSVP: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com
 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

WANTED: Interns


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? Do you think of books as the ultimate social media? Are you fascinated by the rapidly evolving book industry? If so, you may be perfect for a position 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 bookstore while enriching lives through reading, writing, and the power of books!

4 intern positions available (please read full descriptions below)
1. Operations intern
2. Marketing & Communications intern
3. Curatorial intern
4. School Programs intern 

Though the positions will certainly include a number of administrative tasks, we welcome our interns to shape their experience according to their specific interests and talents and provide opportunities to conceptualize, coordinate, execute, and evaluate projects.

The internships last for 12-16 weeks (longer internships available) and interns work 12-18  hours/week. Summer internship is June – August. Opportunities are available for high school, undergraduate, graduate students and recent graduates who are considering careers in the arts, education, business and publishing.  High school or college credit may be arranged.

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

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 Tuesday – Sunday between the hours of 10am – 8pm)

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday May 20th at 10:00pm , via email  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com 

No incomplete applications will be considered.
Please do not contact the store with further questions or to inquire about selection. Interns must attend 2 hour training the last week of May.  

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).

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday May 20th at 10:00pm
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com
Subject line: OPERATIONS INTERN (Summer 2012)


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 including copy-writing for press releases, flyers, emails, blogs, and newsletters. 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).

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday May 20th at 10:00pm  
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com
Subject line: MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS INTERN (Summer 2012)


CURATORIAL INTERN
The Curatorial Intern will assist with the coordination and execution of visual arts public programming for the bookstore’s inaugural year (2012/2013 exhibits); including artist talks and panels.

Tasks will include (but are not limited to) program planning, assisting with exhibition planning and installation as needed, and other projects as assigned.

Desired qualities/skills: Ideal applicant has a demonstrated interest in learning more about exhibition design, public programs, marketing and communications.  Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, and work well both independently and within a team. Strong attention to detail and organization skills required, as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday May 20th at 10:00pm
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com
Subject line: CURATORIAL INTERN (Summer 2012)



SCHOOL PROGRAMS INTERN
The School Programs Intern will assist with the development and implementation of new outreach strategies to teachers, principals, parents and parent coordinators.

Tasks will include corresponding with educational stakeholders, setting appointments, preparing materials for programs/meetings, responding to inquiries, and other projects as assigned.

Desired skills: The ideal candidate has an interest in education, the New York City Public School system and the arts. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to prioritize responsibilities, and work well both independently and within a team. Strong organizational skills are necessary, as well as knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
Bilingual (English & Spanish proficiency).

ALL Materials must be received by: Sunday May 20th at 10:00pm
Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com
Subject line: SCHOOL PROGRAMS INTERN (Summer 2012)

WANTED: Bookstore ambassadors


La Casa Azul Bookstore is seeking volunteers to assist with our events and other store activities. Volunteers will be given the opportunity to work with a lively, creative team and meet a wide variety of visiting authors and guests.

Volunteers will have the unique opportunity to have direct contact with the general public while affecting change, excitement, and lasting memories in their community! Qualifications include strong communication skills, an outgoing personality, and an infectious passion for the written word.


Volunteer schedule:
4-8 hours a week, shifts are 10am – 2pm or 4pm – 8pm 
6 month – 1 year commitment preferred
 2 hour volunteer training required

Our need for bookstore volunteers is based on the on-site/off-site event schedule.
 
If you are interested in being a volunteer - assisting with events or other activities, please submit the following information:

1.      Cover letter that includes any special skills that might be helpful     (event planning experience, photographer, storyteller, actor)

2.      Resume

3.      Answer to question: Why are you interested in volunteering at La Casa Azul? Bookstore (1 page max, separate from cover letter)

4.      Schedule information (days/hours available from Tuesday – Sunday between the hours of 10am – 2pm, and 4-8pm)


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

ALL materials must be received by: Sunday May 20th at 10:00pm , via email 

Email: lucha.libros[at]gmail.com

Subject line: Bookstore ambassador (+ your name)

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not contact the store to enquire about selection. All volunteers must attend 2 hour training the last week of May.

Friday, May 4, 2012

The home stretch

Even as I put these photos together I can't believe that we are almost there! The build out of La Casa Azul Bookstore is almost complete, what an incredible journey!

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped make this possible: Founder's Circle members who gave to the campaign last Fall, friends and volunteers who cleaned, painted, installed the floor, assembled furniture - who brought snacks, music and energy just when I was ready to collapse from exhaustion - thank you! 


Bookstore friend and fans - thank you for the emails and words of encouragement that pushed me to keep going when I was too tired to move (seriously, sore muscles are not fun). 

To my design team- the bookstore that had been living in my journals, as sketches, notes and photographs is now real, and it looks exactly like what I had imagined.

My design dream team, Casa Latina!

Before Manny Vega's installation.


After Manny Vega's installation
Reading room - before
Reading room - after







LadyK Fever

Work in progress, LadyK Fever


Before tile counter top

After tile counter top!






WELCOME!


Wednesday, May 2, 2012

FIRST event in the bookstore's history

Monday April 23rd was World Book Night. World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a love of reading and books. On World Book Night tens of thousands of people went out into their communities to spread the joy and love of reading by giving out free paperbacks.

Although La Casa Azul Bookstore is not officially open yet, our application to be a part of World Book Night was accepted and we were a book distribution center. World Book Night was the FIRST event to be held at the bookstore!

Friends, Founder's Circle members and John Jay College students joined in the celebration of World Book Night, they each received a copy of "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" and also got a sneak peek of the bookstore.  

We ended the evening with a conversation about the importance of World Book Night, and many also shared memories of their first books and about the people who encouraged and supported their love for reading.   

My thought the entire time was "Yes, this is why La Casa Azul Bookstore is important" and I am so happy to be closer to my goal than ever before.


Vivan los libros!

World Book Night, April 23, 2012
Photos by © Gary Santana / www.GDSarts.com

World Book Night, April 23, 2012
Photos by © Gary Santana / www.GDSarts.com
World Book Night, April 23, 2012
Photos by © Gary Santana / www.GDSarts.com
World Book Night, April 23, 2012
Photos by © Gary Santana / www.GDSarts.com

World Book Night, April 23, 2012
Photos by © Gary Santana / www.GDSarts.com