Larry Portzline, originator of the Bookstore Tourism" concept and author of a how-to book by the same name, said today that over 2,000 people have downloaded his free e-book since its release on October 1.
HARRISBURG, PA (PRWEB) October 31, 2004 -- Larry Portzline, originator of the Bookstore Tourism" concept and author of a how-to book by the same name, said today that over 2,000 people have downloaded his free e-book since its release on October 1.
Portzline says hes offering the e-book version (PDF format) as a no-cost download because few things in life are free anymore, and some ideas are just meant to be shared." With that in mind, hes encouraging readers to forward the file or web-link to friends.
Simultaneously, the $10 softcover version of "Bookstore Tourism: The Book Addict's Guide to Planning & Promoting Bookstore Road Trips for Bibliophiles & Other Bookshop Junkies" is available at bookstores and directly from Portzlines website at www.bookstoretourism.com.
The word about Bookstore Tourism is continuing to spread," said Portzline. People are responding in a very positive way."
A writer and part-time college instructor, Portzline said the goal of Bookstore Tourism is to promote and support independent bookstores by marketing them as a tourist destination and creating a new travel niche for booklovers. The book urges booklovers to get involved by planning "bookstore road trips" with friends, organizations, and even their communities' economic development agencies.
"The idea is to encourage booklovers to organize day-trips and other literary outings to cities and towns with fun, interesting and unique bookstores that people in their own communities may not get to visit regularly," said Portzline. "It can work in the other direction, too. People in your town -- your local booksellers, business association or visitors' bureau -- can create ways to attract groups of readers to your community for a day of browsing, touring and other book-related activities."
In a 12-month span, Portzline himself led six sold-out "bookstore adventures" to New York City and Washington, D.C. for two colleges in central Pennsylvania. He is now working with the National Endowment for the Arts to coordinate a reading and literacy summit meeting" to be held in Spring 2005 with libraries, educators and organizations in the region (one goal of the meeting will be to discuss the creation of an annual book festival). Portzline has also been named to the Advisory Board of the Pennsylvania Center for the Book, operated by Penn State University.
USA Today called Bookstore Tourism "a charming alternative" when it selected Portzline's website as a "hot site" in May. The Boston Globe called it a novel idea." The Dallas Morning News said, Bookstore lovers now have their own guidebook."
Portzline is encouraging those who download the free e-book to make a donation on his website, although its not required. People who read the book and find it useful can help to keep the project going by making a donation in any amount," he noted. I published the book on a shoestring budget, and Im hoping that booklovers everywhere will lend their support and spread the word."
Media inquiries are welcome.
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CONTACT: Larry Portzline, (717) 541-0710, info@bookstoretourism.com
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