The Inevitable Espresso Machine

Booksellers have acknowledged the arrival of the espresso machine. No, not the coffee! The books-on-demand machine that produces your book while you go out for espresso. No more packing, shipping, shelving. No more unsold remainders -- books returned to publishers, to be shipped again somewhere else. Costs mounting.

There are only four of these marvels in Canada. (Or is it three?) Titles, the McMaster University bookshop in Hamilton, Ontario, has one of the latest models.
We excitedly purchase a book. $25. Attractive cover graphics and clean type. Tightly bound soft cover. Can't beat the delivery.

We are still fondling our book a week later. We could not do this with an e-book. It is going to take time to weigh the pros and cons. Meanwhile, thank you Mark, Titles Manager, for bringing this latest wonder to us. We have been asked how long the process took; I will have to ask Mark but it seemed like less than a couple minutes.

Writer Lois Marlatt

Kids, hold onto your hats! Lois is bound for another adventure ~ travelling with Brock and Becca is always fun. Where will it be this time?

October 3, Saturday, 11 - 3, join Lois at The Neat Little Bookshop for another adventure. Where did Lois take the kids this summer? (Last year it was on the tall ships.)
Sometimes it is hard to tell whether Lois is describing her holidays with her real family or with her imaginary characters. (Sh-h-h, don't tell Lois.)
Author of Canoeing on the Grand River, Saddle Up In Saskatchewan, Vacation In Vancouver, At The Calgary Stampede and RV To Edmonton, among other titles, Lois always entertains. Parents, Grandparents, big "kids," expect to be whisked away on a plane, train or automobile ~ always to Canadian places. Free admission. Books for Sale.

Resume Clinic

The Neat Little Bookshop is considering hosting a series of workshops on resume writing, the modern workplace, interviewing techniques ~ and of course, whatever discussions may come up. We are easy!

Let us know if you are interested.

For those of us who have had to reenter the workplace, the trauma of writing a current cover-letter or anticipating the buzz words -- or what are they called? -- keywords that trip a computer, a little help from somebody in the business can mean the difference in getting a job.

905-577-5635 Give us a call or e-mail us: lwalker@mountaincable.net.

We have lined-up a dynamic personality; we know you will enjoy.

Wednesday Storytime

If Ace could read...

This week's storytime book was to be Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors but when Ace showed up, we switched to Benjamin Bunny.

After school, every Wednesday, is Storytime. Everyone welcome. Free Admission.

We usually have cookies, if they are allowed.

Contact us at 905-577-5635 or lwalker@mountaincable.net

Step into a 1925 Rural Classroom

"Step into a 1925 rural classroom at Wilson MacDonald School," the glossy brochure reads! Or into an 1835 log cabin at the Haldimand County Museum in Cayuga.

There are ten historical sites officially opening their doors for the annual DOORS OPEN HALDIMAND on Saturday, September 19,

10 a.m. 'til 4 p.m.

Volunteers are revving up to share with you their experiences in rural Haldimand County.

The theme this year is, "History and heritage of the area's fertile fields."
Visit the website http://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/ or call 905-772-3790 for more information.

Photo: by Lorna

Haldimand Heritage

Anyone visiting the Neat Little Bookshop knows that chances are they will meet interesting people. (We stop short at labelling them "characters.") Norma, we are not suggesting that you are a character. You are certainly interesting.

Norma Mowat is well-known in historical circles. She is seen here with writers, Cheryl MacDonald and Bob Blakely. The gentleman in the middle is Haldimand M.P.P.Toby Barrett. The lady in the background (rt.) is Dana, Curator of the Wilson McDonald School. The photo was taken a few years ago at Selkirk Heritage Day.

Norma, whose hat are you wearing? The colonel has his.

Photos: lbwalker

(Click on Photo for larger image.)

Backlists, Out-of-Print and Current Publications

Used bookshops generally sell the books that are on publisher's backlists (best-sellers published before the current season and still in print), out-of-print books, antiquarian books (rare books) and, of course, current publications when available. We pride ourselves on bringing to our shelves, books that give the visitor a sense of never knowing what he might find. The Neat Little Bookshop also sells new books by local authors.

We struggle everyday with the question of accepting literally truckloads of musty boxes of books -- will there be that one book worth rescuing? Households can accumulate an unmanageable volume of books that end up in unfriendly environments like garages, basements -- even barns. Eventually, the inevitable question arises: what to do with this abandoned (not to mention, heavy), bulk of paper! The consensus seems to be, to take it to the nearest used book store! Musty books are not only unsalable, they are unhealthy and end up in the recycle.

The Neat Little Bookshop has posted a notice that we no longer accept books for credit, other than those purchased in our store; however, well-meaning donors continue to bless us. Meanwhile, our commitment is to make available good, clean books of literary value at affordable prices.