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Bookseller Gets Creative With Weekly Events

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By SHERRI LONON IN THE LOOP

The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 11, 2009

Shoppers who stop by Barnes & Noble on a Tuesday morning might see "Fancy Nancy" dressed in her finery, complete with a tiara. If they show up on the Thursday evening, they could run into two university professors who are leading a group of local writers on an adventure in learning.

It's all just part of the regular weekly programming for the new 28152 Paseo Drive store in The Shops at Wiregrass, said Cynthia Mason, community relations manager for the store.

Although weekly programming at the store is still coming into place, Mason said she's been pleased with the support from the community.

"We've been very fortunate to have such a wonderful response," she said.

Mason said the store puts a strong focus on free regular events to help make itself a resource for the community.

For Nancy Lay, the store's children's section lead, the storytime sessions are not only an outlet for children's entertainment, but also vital learning experiences.

"I recognize the importance of starting children young with reading," she said.

To keep participants enthralled, Lay makes certain storytime includes more than just stories. Before she takes to the stage, she greets audience members personally dressed in her Fancy Nancy attire. Once the show begins, it's all about stories, sing-along songs and having a good time.

Cheryl Beaudoin said the weekly story events provide the perfect venue for bonding with her granddaughter, Maria Rivera, 4.

"I think it's great they have this for the children," she said. "It gives them a chance to practice social interaction."

Maria, who dresses up for the Tuesday production, loves storytime, she said.

While children rule during storytime on both Tuesday and Thursday mornings, it's creative adults who will benefit from the latest addition in the store's weekly line up. The Briefly Curious Writers' Circle begins tomorrow night and will run every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.

Led by Saint Leo University English professors Kurt Wilt and Patrick Crerand, the group provides a great opportunity for writers to get together, brainstorm and have fun, Crerand said.

Group members will discuss writing, share works and even collaborate on projects, he said. The group, however, won't focus too much on the "nitty gritty of comments on work," he said. "The main goal is we want it to be fun."

Crerand said Barnes & Noble opening its doors for such a group is great not only for local writers, but also the university.

"Saint Leo is predominately a rural university," he said. "(This allows us) to reach out to the bigger community."

For more information on Barnes & Noble's free programming, visit barnesandnoble.com.

Weekly Programs At Barnes & Noble

The following free programs take place at Barnes & Noble, 28152 Paseo Drive, on a weekly basis:

•Story time for toddlers and preschoolers, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Fancy Nancy leads the Tuesday programs and Angelina Ballerina leads on Thursdays.

• The Briefly Curious Writers' Circle meets the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 7 p.m. The group, led by Saint Leo University professors Kurt Wilt and Patrick Crerand, is always open to new members.

• The Discover Great New Writers book Club meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 7 p.m. The club, which is always open to new membership, is led by Mason Broadwell.

Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or slonon@mediageneral.com. Editor Sherri Lonon can be reached at (813) 948-4287 or slonon@mediageneral.com.

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