"That’s no moon, it’s a space station!" -- Sci-fi Night at Reiter’s

Wednesday the 20^th here at Reiter’s was an exciting day. The large convention in town, the 2009 Homeland Security Science & Technology Stakeholders Conference, drew a number of science fiction writers as well as scientists to Washington, so for one night Reiter’s decided to expand our science books to include select titles of science fiction from 11 different writers in the genre. Then we invited the 11 different sci-fi authors to come to the store and hold a discussion the night of the 20^th. The gathering was a big hit with lots of lively discussion with the authors, snacks and drinks, and a large crowd of sci-fi fans. We even had a Washington Post reporter in attendance and an article mentioning the event on the front page of the Style section of the Washington Post. The Sci-fi night, as we here at Reiter’s like to call it, was a big hit and is an annual event here, so if you missed it this year or came and enjoyed it remember to stop by next year for more great science fiction and discussion with the authors of your favorite books.




Brendan Nichols

Support the Indies -- BuyIndieDay on May 1st

Everyone has heard the story of the independent bookstore closing its doors. So much so, that one can't help but roll their eyes at yet another "Death of a Bookstore" story. Now, we at Reiter's have no plans to be in such a tale, and many of our Indie-brethren feel the same way. So, we (the Indie Community) are glad to be putting forth BuyIndieDay. On May 1st, independent bookstores across the nation are asking all those who love us to buy one book. Whether its hardcover, paperback, fiction, or non-fiction, we are asking you to come out and support indie. If you'd like to check out more about IndieDay 2009, please visit Kevin Guilfoile's blog entry at The Outfit, which is a really cool blog you should check out if you have the time.

For those who haven't fully cultivated a love for Indie Stores, please look at the list below to see all the benefits of buying Indie.

When you shop at an independently owned business, your entire community benefits:

The Economy

• Spend $100 at a local and $68 of that stays in your community. Spend the same $100 at a national chain, and your community only sees $43.
• Local businesses create higher-paying jobs for our neighbors.
• More of your taxes are reinvested in your community--where they belong.

The Environment

• Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.
• Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community.

The Community

• Local retailers are your friends and neighbors—support them and they’ll support you.
• Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.
• More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.

What's your favorite city? -- Ork Posters

When Jenny Beorkrem couldn't find a neighborhood map of Chicago that suited her tastes, she decided to make her own. Using her graphic design background Jenny put together a cool little map that blended amazing typography techniques with map functionality. When completed, she thought that others might love her new map, so she began Ork Posters. Branching out past Chicago, Jenny now makes posters for other major cities, with more on the way. They come in a variety of colors with a variety of cool names....like "Crackberry" (those that know a little Washington DC history might find that one a little funny) and "Brooklyn's Finest" (for the die-hard Brooklynite).

We at Reiter's fell in love with the DC posters, but with over 40 different ones to choose from, we're sure you'll find a poster to fall in love with too. So stop by our store and check out the whole collection.