Come Party at Fab Indie Trappe Book Center

Independent bookstores are taking a huge hit around the country, many of them closing down because they have been forsaken by patrons in favor of online retailers or chain bookstores.  But if you love books, you have to love independent bookstores. That means you have to support them so you’ll always have that cool store where you can hang out and browse titles you won’t find on chain store shelves.   So you’ll always have a place where the seller knows EVERYTHING about books, and can steer you in the right direction when you are looking for a certain type of read.

That’s why me and my buds at the Philly Liars Club have been on our “Truth Tour” throwing a series of parties to celebrate our fav indie bookstores.  Next is our “Liars Tell the Truth about the Trappe Book Center” bash, which will be held at the store, located on 130 W. Main Street in Collegeville, PA on Saturday, April 17th from 1-3 p.m. This event, which is free and open to the public, features free goodies, eight authors, and chances to win prizes that include book bags and signed books. There will even be a story time for kids, featuring an original picture book manuscript read by author Keith Strunk.

The Philly Liar’s Club is a group of professional writers who basically lie for a living. Visitors to the April 17^th celebration will get to play Truth or Lie games for prizes, and will enjoy hanging out with the following Liars: Stoker and Nebula nominated fantasy author Gregory Frost (titles include Shadowbridge, and Lord Tophet, Del Rey/Random House); author of dynamic forensics thrillers Jon McGoran, who writes as D.H. Dublin (titles include Freezer Burn, Berkley); women’s contemporary fiction author Kelly Simmons (Standing Still, Washington Square Press/Simon and Schuster); celebrated crime writer Dennis Tafoya (Dope Thief, St. Martin’s); social media guru and magazine feature writer Don Lafferty; popular author of young adult novels Marie Lamba (What I Meant…, Random House); best selling mystery novelist Merry Jones (titles include The Borrowed and Blue Murders, Minotaur Books); and actor, playwright and historian Keith Strunk (Prallsville Mills and Stockton, Arcadia Publishing Images of America Series).

“We’ll be there partying to highlight all that is wonderful about Trappe Book Center,” says author Merry Jones.  “Independent bookstores are special places, each with their own personality. We want everyone to think of the indies first when it comes to purchasing a book. They offer everything the competition does, and then some.”

At Trappe Book Center, for example, visitors can browse through the store’s extensive stock, which highlights a unique collection of books that you won’t find at any megastore.  “We have excellent customer service, and really know our titles,” says Kit Little, Trappe’s marketing manager. “But if you don’t see what you want here, we have access to over four million titles – virtually any book in print.  Just let us know, and we’ll get that book to you usually within two days.” Orders can be placed in person, over the phone, or by visiting www.trappebookcenter.com.

“The best part is that when you buy from an indie like Trappe Book Center, you are keeping your dollars local, and benefiting your own community,” says author Jon McGoran.

Locally owned and operated, Trappe Book Center serves as a hub of cultural activity for the area.  They offer book clubs for adults and kids, free literary events, and they often work with organizations to help them fundraise for important local causes.  The store has conducted a Battle of the Books to celebrate literacy, and has run an Angel Tree over the holidays to provide books for local children in need.  “We are always seeking new ways to be involved in our community,” says Little, who points out that the store also works with over 200 local schools to help with events, fundraising and special programs.

“I can’t imagine what life would be like without wonderful independent bookstores like this,” says author Kelly Simmons.  “Come out to this party, and show this store you value indies everywhere.  It’s going to be a blast.  Hey, would I lie?”

For more information, or to reserve a copy of an author’s book before the event, call the Trappe Book Center at 610-454-0640.