PEN America: Florida removed more library books than any state last year

Arts & Culture, Books

Florida topped every state in the nation for the number of books removed from school libraries during the 2023-2024 school year. 
That’s 4,500 books from July 2023 to June 2024, according to an annual report from PEN America, a nonprofit advocating for freedom of expression. 
That represents nearly half of nationwide removals, which numbered 10,064. Iowa, which removed more than 3,600 books, was next closest to Florida. 
Florida’s 2023 law, HB 1069, created a legal process for removing books, including a requirement that they be pulled while schools respond to challenges filed by parents or citizens. The list compiled by PEN includes books permanently removed from schools, removed pending investigation, and restrictions based on grade level or requiring parental permission. 
Thirty-three school districts in Florida removed books, according to PEN’s report. 
Escambia, Clay, Collier, and Orange counties’ removal numbers were among the highest in the state.  
Escambia accounted for 1,582 of Florida’s removals. A great deal of them were “banned pending investigation” in August 2023, shortly after the book removal law took effect. 
During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers passed a law limiting book challenges by residents without a child in school to one per month.
A group of book publishers filed suit against the Florida Board of Education in August, claiming the book removal law is overbroad and has caused a chilling effect.

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Nationwide

The 10,064 removals nationwide included 4,231 unique titles across 29 states and 220 school districts. In 2022-2023, schools removed 1,557; in 2021-2022, the number was 1,643. 
Of that total, 43% were complete removals. 
“It is important to recognize that books available in schools, whether in a school or classroom library or as part of a curriculum, were selected by librarians and educators as part of the educational offerings to students,” reads the PEN America news release.
“Book bans occur when those choices are overridden by school boards, administrators, or even politicians on the basis of a particular book’s content.”
Among the titles removed in more than one district, more than half, 57%, included sex-related themes and 39% included LGBTQ characters or people. 
The most banned book was “Nineteen Minutes” by Jodi Picoult. Other most commonly removed titles include “Looking for Alaska” by John Green, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, “Crank” by Ellen Hopkins, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, and “A Court of Frost and Starlight” by Sarah J. Maas. 
“Having the most banned book in the country is not a badge of honor — it’s a call for alarm,” Picoult said in PEN’s news release. 
“’Nineteen Minutes’ is banned not because it’s about a school shooting, but [] because of a single page that depicts a date rape and uses anatomically correct words for the human body. It is not gratuitous or salacious, and it is not — as the book banners claim — porn. In fact, hundreds of kids have told me that reading ’19 Minutes’ stopped them from committing a school shooting, or showed them they were not alone in feeling isolated.”
The nonprofit states that its numbers present a “snapshot of the total number of book bans and the distribution of book bans across states and districts are likely an undercount. Book bans from schools and districts often go under-reported or unreported.”

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5 Must-Read Books For Personal And Professional Growth This Fall

Arts & Culture, Books

As the leaves change and the weather gets cooler, there’s no better time to curl up on the couch with a steaming hot beverage and dive into books that can reshape the way you think about your career, passions, and goals. You don’t need to wait until the new year to get started on your resolutions. Fall is the time to turn a new leaf, literally and figuratively. It’s a time for growth, reflection, and, sometimes, a fresh start. I’ve curated a list of five must-read books, each offering unique insights into self-leadership, professional and team success, and personal fulfillment. Whether you’re a college grad just starting out or a seasoned professional looking to re-energize your goals, these books provide a roadmap for personal and professional transformation.

Top 5 Books for Personal and Professional Growth
1 – Leading Yourself by Elizabeth Lotardo
Lotardo outlines five of the most common reasons we dislike our work:

Imperfect boss – Incompetent, not available or excessively micromanages.
Weird economics – We’re on an austerity budget but the C-suite gets an office remodel.
Lethargic coworks – Some people don’t want to be there and annoy those who are trying to get work done. (Read my Forbes article on how to deal with annoying coworkers).
Annoying systems – Why do I need 16 characters in my new password? What’s with all the glitches and why is it so difficult to navigate?
Too many deliverables – The reward for good work is more work. (Read my Forbes article on this topic).

So how do you work your way out of this spiral? Leading Yourself gives readers the tools to navigate challenges with resilience and purpose. Lotardo emphasizes that self-leadership isn’t a one-time achievement but a continuous practice that requires awareness and accountability. Her insights into mindset shifts and personal growth habits provide a powerful foundation for anyone looking to lead with confidence and clarity.

2 – What Lights You Up by Mary Olson Menzel
As an executive coach focusing on career pivots, Menzel knows a thing or two about how to find the job that makes you want to bounce out of bed in the morning. If recruiters only spend six seconds looking at your resume, and automated systems may reject your application if it’s in the wrong format, having a blueprint for a successful job search is critical. In What Lights You Up, Menzel explores a fundamental but often overlooked question: what truly makes us happy and fulfilled? She guides readers through the process of discovering their passion and aligning it with their daily lives and careers. Yet instead of looking at what’s obvious, she guides the reader through some adjacent career paths that may not have been on your radar. Menzel’s strategies are designed to help readers keep that light alive in their life and career. (Read my Forbes article on why you only need to meet less than half of what is listed in a job description).

3 – Become a Bookable Speaker by Christa Haberstock
For professionals eager to make an impact through keynote speaking, Haberstock’s Become a Bookable Speaker is an essential playbook. Written by the founder of the See Agency which represented some of the world’s top speakers, this book holds your hand through the step by step process of becoming a repeatable bookable speaker. Critical topics such as developing your brand, how to work with bureaus, clarifying your topic and ensuring it aligns with industry needs, and setting your fees are all expertly layed out in a manner that is supremely easy to digest. Haberstock’s experience in the speaking industry shines through as she unveils insider knowledge on what makes a speaker stand out and get booked.

4 – Getting from College to Career by Lindsey Pollak
If there is an expert on the multi-generational workforce then it is Lindsey Pollack. The newly revised edition of Getting from College to Career is a guide for navigating the early professional years, packed with actionable advice for new graduates entering the workforce. Pollak doesn’t shy away from the realities of the current job market but offers strategic steps for turning college experiences into career assets. From networking to interviewing skills, Pollak’s book is a goldmine of insights that help young professionals create opportunities and build a career they’re proud of. This book has a focus on Generation Z, navigating the hybrid work force and using AI tools responsibly. This book has the most up-to-date strategies to help Generation Z thrive and be productive members of the workforce.

5 – Mission Out of Control by Charles Camarda
Astronaut Dr. Charles Camarda flew to space on the return to flight mission following the Columbia disaster. While many who studied NASA focused on the lack of psychological safety, Camarda builds on this by shining a spotlight on the decreasing research culture which would have discovered anomalies and ​​can prevent catastrophes in high risk/high reliability situations. In Mission Out of Control, Astronaut Camarda tells the story of his journey through one of NASA’s most challenging missions. This isn’t just an account of overcoming obstacles in space—it’s an exploration of resilience, innovation, and tenacity. With each page, Camarda reminds readers of the importance of courage in the face of adversity. His story serves as a powerful metaphor for anyone pushing their boundaries and navigating their own “mission” here on Earth.

Fall is the season of change. Let these books rekindle your passions as you tackle challenges with fresh eyes.

Mallorcan political party unveil plans to scale back tourism

Travel

(Credits: Jaume Morey) Fri 1 November 2024 10:46, UK A political party in Mallorca has revealed its plans to reduce tourism in the Balearic Islands with a cut of up to 40 per cent on tourism accommodation.Més per Majorca plans to roll out the new “regressive policy” in a bid to “degrow” tourism in the popular Spanish islands, outlining a 40 per cent cap alongside announcing a yearly restriction on the amount of tourists permitted access to the holiday destination.This comes in response to many senior figures, groups, and civilians arguing for greater control on over-tourism in the area. Més per Majorca have described the matter as “excessive” and a growing issue that is having a major negative impact on a variety of things across the area, from affordable housing and access to healthcare to local disturbances from nuisance tourists.The new policy also calls for increased measures to end tourist marketing efforts in conjunction with festivals and events, as well as a reduction of tickets for flights, private jets, and cruise ships carrying passengers in Palma over the summer months.Lluís Apesteguia, a spokesperson for Més for Mallorca, said that the measures announced by the president of the Balearic Islands were “insufficient in the face of the collapse situation we are living in,” adding that it is “essential to make policies to reduce tourism and economic diversification.”How have locals responded to overtourism?Earlier this year, Mallorcan locals got together to protest overtourism on the popular Balneario 6 area of S’Arenal beach in Palma, many of which were from ‘Occupem Les Nostres Platges’, which translates to ‘Occupy Our Beaches’, a movement campaigning for greater control on overcrowding in the area.One of the protesters told Euronews that they had come together to “demand that residents should be able to enjoy our beaches, which nowadays are only enjoyed by tourists.” Another local weighed in on the issue, saying, “From the disappearance of local culture, the increasing cost of living, the impossibility to live here, and the worsening of public services, many tourists understand this because they are aware of what it means in their home places.”Last year, Mallorca welcomed a staggering 14 million tourists, including many before summer began. The negative ramifications have been disturbing locals for some time now, with some choosing to put out fake warning signs on several of the island’s beaches that said tourists should stay away.Unfortunately, this issue isn’t unique to Mallorca. Many popular holiday destinations have recently issued new restrictions and laws to preserve historical landmarks and protect the local quality of life. Recently, locals protested San Sebastian against “suffocating” overtourism in an attempt to get the government to announce greater restrictions.[embedded content]Related TopicsSubscribe To The Far Out Newsletter

17 horror movies that will actually scare you

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Your support helps us to tell the storyFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.CloseRead moreYou’re probably on the hunt to watch some frightening films to extend the Halloween celebrations.Mastering a scare is something that only the most gifted of directors can manage – and there are a lot of films out there that fall very short when trying to terrify their audience.Those that do deliver, though, succeed with aplomb: John Carpenter, George Romero and Get Out director Jordan Peele to name but a few.For those wanting to be genuinely scared, it can be quite hard to find a film that suits your need, but fret no more – we’ve compiled the scariest horror films on offer, ranging from German Expressionist films from the 1920s to indie smash hit Hereditary.Below, we run through 17 horror films that will genuinely scare you.The Amityville Horror (1979)The Amityville Horror is based on the true story of the Lutzes, a family who were run out of their home after being terrorised by paranormal phenomena in 1975. Just one year before, Ronald DeFeo Jr shot and killed six members of his family in the same house. James Brolin and Margot Kidder lead this film, which became one of the biggest hits of 1979.Audition (1999)Japanese horror Audition follows a widower who meets a woman named Ayoma after staging auditions to meet a potential new partner. Soon, though, her dark past begins to surface, which equates to a pretty disturbing climax.‘Audition’

Texas Tourists Land In Polk County Jail After Souvenir Shopping Spree In Florida Goes Wrong

Travel

Eric Parlogean, 56, of Dallas, and Michael Williams, 39, of Fort Worth

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Two Texas men learned the hard way that “souvenir shopping” has a different meaning in Polk County, Florida.

Eric Parlogean, 56, of Dallas, and Michael Williams, 39, of Fort Worth, were caught red-handed attempting to leave a Love’s Travel Stop in Davenport with a combined haul of unpaid merchandise worth a whopping… wait for it… $35.28.

READ: 10-Time State Prison Inmate Arrested Again In Lakeland After Knife Attack: Polk County Sheriff

That’s right, folks. These masterminds allegedly pilfered goods totaling less than the cost of a decent steak dinner. Perhaps they were hoping to bring back some authentic Florida souvenirs, like a pack of gum and a bottle of sunscreen?

Unfortunately for them, a Polk County Sheriff’s deputy spotted the dynamic duo by the fuel pumps, presumably strategizing their getaway with a tank full of gas. Their grand plan was foiled, and they were promptly arrested and charged with retail theft.

READ: Small Plane From Fort Myers To Bartow Makes Emergency Landing On Polk County Highway

These co-drivers are now co-defendants, sharing a ride not to the sunny beaches of Florida, but to the less glamorous Polk County Jail.

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Scientists recreated the appearance of a woman who lived 400 years ago — people of that time considered her a vampire

Science and Health

Scientists have created a 3D model of the face of a girl who lived in northern Poland in the 17th century. She was buried according to a special rite, because people of that time believed that she was a vampire.This is reported by Sky News.Female remains were found in 2022 by archaeologists from the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Poland. She was buried in an unnamed cemetery in the town of Pen, near the city of Bydgoszcz in the north of the country. Local residents named the unknown woman Zosya. When she was buried, an iron sickle was fastened around her neck, and a lock was locked on her leg. This was done so that Zosya would not “resurrect from the dead.”

To “reanimate” the girl, researchers used her DNA, 3D printing and modeling clay. Zosya was between 18 and 20 years old at the time of her death. Scientists believe that during her life she fainted, suffered from severe headaches and may have had mental illnesses.Specialists began the reconstruction by printing a copy of the skull on a 3D printer. Then layers of modeling clay were gradually applied to it to create a realistic face. To reproduce the girlʼs features, the bone structure was combined with data on gender, age, ethnicity and approximate weight.”Itʼs ironic in a way. The people who hid her did everything to prevent her from coming back from the dead. And we did everything possible to bring her back to life,” said archaeologist Oskar Nilsson.Little is known about Zosyaʼs life, but researchers assume her noble origin. The woman lived in the 17th century. Due to the devastation of Europe after the war, peopleʼs faith in supernatural beings was on the rise. A “vampire child” was found in the same area where Zosyaʼs grave was. She was buried face down and also “immobilized” with a lock on her leg.For more news and in-depth stories from Ukraine please follow us on X.

Alicante’s Allure: Exploring Costa Blanca’s Prime Travel Spot

Travel

Alicante, perched on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is a destination of endless appeal. Renowned for its pristine beaches, Mediterranean climate, and rich cultural history, this city attracts travelers looking for a vibrant yet laid-back getaway.Beyond the allure of its sandy shores and bustling city life, Alicante offers access to a collection of picturesque villages, coastal gems, and historical sites, all of which make it a dream destination. To truly unlock all that Alicante and the Costa Blanca have to offer, car hire in Alicante is highly recommended.
Car hire Alicante not only adds to the freedom and flexibility of your journey but also provides you with unparalleled access to explore hidden spots that public transport might not reach.
Key Destinations to Explore by Car Near Alicante
Opting for car hire Alicante opens up the possibility of visiting a variety of unique destinations in the region. Here are some top spots that are perfect for road trips:
Altea
Altea is known as one of the most picturesque villages on the Costa Blanca. With its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and spectacular coastal views, Altea offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city.
Its old town is a maze of quaint shops, cafes, and art galleries, perfect for strolling through at your own pace. The town is just a short drive from Alicante, making it an easy day trip destination when you’re traveling by car.
Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa, also known as the “jewel of the Costa Blanca,” is famous for its colorful houses that line the seafront and for its long-standing chocolate-making traditions.
A visit to Villajoyosa allows travelers to experience a more traditional, slower-paced side of the region, with plenty of local eateries, markets, and stunning coastal views.
Calpe Beaches
If you’re seeking a beach experience with a twist, Calpe’s beaches are a must-visit. Dominated by the impressive Peñón de Ifach rock formation, Calpe’s beaches offer crystal-clear waters and a variety of water sports options.
Having access to car hire in Alicante means you can reach Calpe’s beaches at any time, avoiding the crowds and getting the best possible beach experience.
Guadalest Valley
For those craving mountainous landscapes and scenic views, Guadalest Valley is an ideal escape. Located about an hour’s drive from Alicante, this hidden gem is known for its medieval castle, lush valley, and clear reservoirs.
Exploring Guadalest is a great way to experience a different side of the Costa Blanca, away from the coastal bustle. With car hire Alicante, you’ll have the flexibility to reach Guadalest’s most remote spots, which are otherwise difficult to access by public transport.
Alicante Wine Route
Wine lovers will find the Alicante Wine Route a delightful experience. This wine tourism route allows visitors to explore various wineries scattered across the region, each offering a taste of the area’s unique flavors.
Enjoy tastings, vineyard tours, and even culinary pairings, all within a short drive from Alicante. Having a car allows you to visit multiple wineries at your own pace and discover the local wine culture with ease.
Advantages of Renting a Car in Alicante
Opting for car hire Alicante can truly elevate your holiday experience, especially if you’re looking to explore the Costa Blanca beyond the main tourist hubs. Here are the top reasons to rent a car for your Alicante adventure:
Freedom of Movement
Renting a car gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary without depending on the schedules of buses or trains. You can visit popular spots during off-peak hours, discover less-visited locations, or spontaneously decide to change your plans.
Many local rental companies in Alicante offer a range of vehicles with flexible booking options, so you can find a car that suits your travel needs with minimal hassle, even at the airport.
Time-Saving
Public transportation often limits how much you can see in a day, especially when visiting multiple destinations. A rental car allows you to move between sites at your own speed, saving you time and allowing for a fuller experience.
Whether you want to head to Calpe’s beaches early in the morning or make a spontaneous stop in Villajoyosa, car hire Alicante makes it all possible.
Access to Remote Areas
Some of the Costa Blanca’s most beautiful places, such as secluded coves, cliffside villages, and mountain viewpoints, are more accessible by car.
A rental car can get you closer to these hidden gems, allowing for a more intimate experience with the local landscapes. For example, you can easily drive to Guadalest Valley’s remote trails and explore its rugged terrain, an opportunity that’s harder to come by without a car.
Conclusion
Alicante is a vibrant destination on the Costa Blanca that has so much to offer beyond its sunny beaches and urban attractions. By opting for car hire Alicante, you can unlock the true potential of this region.
Whether you’re drawn to the tranquil streets of Altea, the historic charm of Guadalest, or the culinary delights of the Alicante Wine Route, having a car will allow you to make the most of your holiday.
Enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace, reach remote and scenic areas with ease, and create a travel experience that is both unique and unforgettable.

Hallmark calling: Tyler Hynes reigns as king of Christmas movies

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

Bruce Miller

LOS ANGELES – Someone else had to take down Tyler Hynes’ Christmas tree this summer because he was too busy making Christmas movies for Hallmark.Five films in the span of four months. And that’s only the beginning.Dozens line his credits – including “Three Wise Men and a Baby,” which was basic cable’s most-viewed film of 2022. This year, he’ll be seen in three “Groomsmen” films, a sequel to “Three Wise Men,” and “Holiday Touchdown,” a romance that happens at a Kansas City Chiefs game.The king of Hallmark? Hynes could certainly make a case.The reason? “I’m a loyal person,” Hynes says. “I like to find where the value is and if there’s value there and there’s a playground to play in, I’d like to keep my focus on that and try to do it as best I can.”

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Hallmark movies, he says, “are something I can pour my heart and soul into that’s creating an impact. I’m very happy spending my time focusing and trying to get the most of out that.”A strong startThe string of yuletide cheer began with “It’s Christmas, Eve,” a film he did in 2018 with LeAnn Rimes.“They called me up maybe three days prior to shooting and made the offer,” Hynes remembers. “I was at dinner but they needed an answer immediately.”Hynes called his mother – a huge Hallmark fan – and asked her to read the script. “I said, ‘Do I sing in it?’ And she said no. Then I said, ‘How do you feel about the movie?’ And she said, ‘I love it.’ That’s all I needed.”Mom’s track record, by the way, is pretty good. She reads all of her son’s scripts and lets him know how the films might go over with his core audience.Two days after the “Eve” offer, Hynes was on the set, enjoying the holiday. “I didn’t know what this was, the value of it or even my place in it. But I was very, very grateful to have been invited.”A different takeSince then, the 38-year-old Canadian has been a regular on the Hallmark circuit. Because many of the films are similar, Hynes now plays “a lot of little games that nobody knows about – that keep it interesting for me.”Example? He may be watching an Al Pacino film before making his latest holiday entry and think: What would Al do? The character, then, will have a Pacino-like attitude.“I kind of have my own fun,” Hynes says with a smile. “I also try my best to figure out what this move has to offer in terms of its value and try to create a character or rhythm that’s in service of that.”Fans, he says, have noticed the process and aren’t afraid to point it out. Because he does so many films in a year, Hynes can have this “continual conversation” with viewers. “I get to react to what they do and they react to what I do, which makes me react to what they do.”While Hynes has been on a number of series (like “Letterkenny”) and non-Hallmark movies, he likes the security the Hallmark ventures provide. “It’s a very sincere dynamic and this is a priority for me and my life.”Six months of Christmas doesn’t bother him, either. “I love Christmas,” Hynes says. “I’m fully prepared to leave the Christmas tree up all year long. When it leaves, (the house) feels empty. But I don’t want to lose the magic that occurs when you put it up because there’s something to that, too.”This year’s crop of films includes one set in Kansas City (home to Hallmark) and Arrowhead Stadium. There, he plays the director of fan engagement who meets someone who’s sure her family should win the Chiefs’ “fan of the year” title.While Hynes is now a Chiefs booster, he wasn’t a football fan growing up. “I couldn’t afford a lot of organized sports, so football was out of the question. I’m a skateboarder.”While shooting at the stadium, he got to meet Chiefs officials and players. “I don’t know why I’m so invested now, but this is kind of what my character goes through.”Before that film shows up, he has the first of three “Groomsmen” films and “Three Wiser Men and a Boy” on tap.All have the seal of approval. “My mother’s very happy I made these movies,” Hynes says. “And if this is my legacy, that’s great.””The Groomsmen” films are now airing on Hallmark+. “The Groomsmen: Last Dance” premieres Oct. 31. 
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Luxury Travel the Focus at UN Tourism Executive Training Programme for Asia and the Pacific

Travel

UN Tourism welcomed high-level officials from the National Tourism Administrations of 20 Asia-Pacific countries to redefine luxury tourism and explore common paths to growing the sector.
Organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Sarawak with the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the 18th UN Tourism Asia-Pacific Executive Training Programme on Tourism Policy and Strategy (Kuching, Malaysia, 28-31 October 2024) focused on luxury tourism growth across the region, taking into consideration the level of socioeconomic development, available natural and human resources and sustainability advancement and planning of each country.
Setting the scene for the training, the UN Tourism Forum on Luxury Tourism Market started with a keynote presentation from the UN Tourism Consultant, Angeline Tang, followed by a panel discussion gathering high-level representatives from the public, private and academic sectors involved in luxury tourism and in tourism development policies at the national, regional or global level.
Investments and marketing to grow luxury tourism
The executive training programme featured 4 interactive sessions, each focused on a key theme to build up a comprehensive approach of successful luxury tourism development strategies in the post-pandemic era. These included a deep dive into destination management strategies and marketing and promotion targeting luxury tourism; the core importance of personalized customer experience and service excellence; and investment guidelines for luxury tourism development.
Across the three days, experts presented and shared experiences on destination management, marketing promotion, customer experience and investment strategies in luxury tourism. The participants took this opportunity to highlight their respective countries’ key assets and arising opportunities, as well as their administrations’ efforts to tackle the challenges for the implementation of successful luxury tourism policy and strategies.
In particular, Member States agreed that each destination should rely on its own assets to develop a unique luxury tourism brand identity, by using digital marketing and AI and date insights.
Meaningful and exclusive experiences
The discussions between participants, speakers and UN Tourism Consultant also underscored the importance of human resources in luxury tourism, especially as human connection and interventions were recognised as essentials for luxury travellers. Mere opulence on luxury tourism is not enough: meaningful experiences including exclusive, personalize and sustainable aspects arranged in every steps of the luxury traveller journey are essential.
At the same time, policymakers would need to adopt a long-term strategic approach that identifies investment opportunities and enhances tourism capacities, positioning themselves as enablers. Investment in luxury tourism means strong brand equity and diverse revenue streams, especially when incorporating sustainable investment practices and quality tourism standards that help ensure long term environmental and cultural preservation.

Japan’s shelf-sharing bookstores bring back book browsing in the digital age, fuelling revival amid closures

Arts & Culture, Books

TOKYO, Nov 1 — “I’m holding an illustrated book of cheeses,” says a delighted Tomoyo Ozumi, a customer at a growing kind of bookshop in Japan where anyone wanting to sell their tomes can rent a shelf.The concept brings back the joy of browsing real books to communities where many bookstores have shut, and gives readers more eclectic choices than those suggested by algorithms on online sellers, its proponents say.“Here, you find books which make you wonder who on earth would buy them,” laughs Shogo Imamura, 40, who opened one such store in Tokyo’s bookstore district of Kanda Jimbocho in April.“Regular bookstores sell books that are popular based on sales statistics while excluding books that don’t sell well,” Imamura, who also writes novels about warring samurai in Japan’s feudal era, told AFP. This picture taken on July 18, 2024 shows a bookshelf at bookstore ‘Honmaru Jimbocho’ in Tokyo. — AFP pic “We ignore such principles. Or capitalism in other words,” he said. “I want to reconstruct bookstores.”His shop, measuring just 53 square metres, houses 364 shelves, selling books — some new, some used — on everything from business strategy and manga comics to martial arts. This picture taken on July 18, 2024 shows (from left) bookshop owner and novelist Shogo Imamura and creative director Kashiwa Sato posing for photographs at bookstore ‘Honmaru Jimbocho’ in Tokyo. — AFP pic The hundreds of different shelf renters, who pay ¥4,850-¥9,350 (RM140-RM267) per month, vary from individuals to an IT company to a construction firm to small publishers.“Each one of these shelves is like a real version of a social media account, where you express yourself like in Instagram or Facebook,” said Kashiwa Sato, 59, the store’s creative director. This picture taken on July 18, 2024 shows bookstore ‘Honmaru Jimbocho’ in Tokyo. There is a growing kind of bookshop in Japan where anyone wanting to sell their tomes can rent a shelf. — AFP pic Cafes and gyms For now, his store Honmaru — meaning the core of a Japanese castle — is only in Tokyo, but Imamura hopes to expand to other regions hit hard by bookstore closures.A quarter of Japan’s municipalities have no physical bookstores, with more than 600 shutting in the 18 months to March, according to the Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture.Imamura in 2022 visited dozens of bookstores that have managed to survive the tough competition with e-commerce giants like Amazon, some by adding cafes or even gyms.“But that is like putting the cart before the horse. Because if a gym is more profitable, 90 per cent of the shop may become a gym, with 10 per cent for bookselling,” Imamura said. This photo taken on August 1, 2024 shows the shelf-sharing bookstore Passage operated by Rokurou Yui, president of book review site All Reviews in Tokyo’s Kanda Jimbocho district, one of the world’s largest ‘booktowns’.— AFP pic Crowd-pullers Rokurou Yui, 42, said his three shelf-sharing bookstores in the same Tokyo area are filled with “enormous love” for shelf owners’ favourite books,“It is as if you’re hearing voices of recommendations,” Yui told AFP.Owners of regular bookstores put books on their shelves that they have to sell to stay in business, regardless of their personal tastes, he said.“But here, there is no single book that we have to sell, but just books that someone recommends with strong passion and love for,” he said.Yui and his father Shigeru Kashima, 74, a professor of French literature, opened their first shelf-sharing bookstore, called Pvassage, in 2022.They expanded with two others and the fourth opened inside a French language school in Tokyo in October. This photo taken on August 1, 2024 shows books written by former Tokyo governor Naoki Inose displayed on part of a bookshelf at the shelf-sharing bookstore Passage in Tokyo’s Kanda Jimbocho district, one of the world’s largest ‘booktowns’. — AFP pic Passage has 362 shelves and the sellers help attract customers with their own marketing efforts, often online.That is in contrast to conventional bookstores that often rely on owners’ sole sales efforts, he said.On weekends, Yui’s store sometimes “looks as if it were a crowded nightclub with young customers in their 10s, 20s, 30s” with edgy background music playing, he said. This photo taken on August 1, 2024 shows Rokurou Yui, president of book review site All Reviews and president of three shelf-sharing bookstores, working at his bookstore in Tokyo’s Kanda Jimbocho district, one of the world’s largest ‘booktowns’.— AFP pic Customers and shelf-owners visit the bookstore not only to sell and buy books, but to enjoy “chatting about books”, he said.Japan’ industry ministry in March launched a project team to study how to support bookstores.“Bookstores are a hub of culture transmission, and are extremely important assets for the society in maintaining diverse ideas and influencing national power,” it said. — AFP