Bookstore's Weinrich nominated for prestigious national award

Once again, the Tech community is recognizing that the Institute attracts not only first-rate faculty members, but an incomparable support staff as well. Gigi Weinrich, Buying Manager for the trade section of Tech's bookstore which is currently in the Student Center, has recently received a nomination for what is arguably the most prestigious bookseller award in the nation.

The Charles S. Haslam Award for Excellence in Bookselling is a celebrated honor bestowed annually upon an individual by the American Booksellers Association.

"It came as a real surprise to me," said Weinreich, an experienced bookseller who transformed the Tech bookstore with her arrival four years ago. She has been in the bookselling industry for 20 years, and is thrilled to receive the esteemed nomination, which comes from her peers in the industry.

Weinreich has transformed the trade section of the bookstore into its current incarnation. Since coming to the Tech, she has organized numerous special events, including book signings featuring such luminaries as George Stephanopolus, Jerry Springer, Delta Burke, Jimmy Carter, and Newt Gingrich. Other unique bookstore events she has coordinated involve more than simply books, such as the recent "Pet Fest," where pet lovers brought their pets to an event held on the Cyber Cafe deck, and a joint project held during Eating Disorder Awareness Week with the History, Technology, and Society department.

Weinreich has also been instrumental in bringing various sales representatives to Tech as a buyer. Her success has translated into a vastly improved trade books section in the bookstore.

The Charles S. Haslam Award is presented annually in memory of a famous bookseller by the same name. Charles S. Haslam (1912-1983), was a second-generation bookseller whose family store shaped bookselling as an industry and served as a model for the independently owned bookstore. The award is nation-wide, and to receive a nomination is considered a high honor among booksellers. Those nominated must show demonstrated excellence in buying and merchandising, store operations, advertising and promotion, and community service.

The recipient is said to be "the bookseller who transcends the ordinary in these areas." The award, administered by the Southeast Booksellers Association and presented annually at BookExpo America, features a prize of a cash stipend of $1,000 and a commemorative plaque.

The American Booksellers Association was established in 1900 to serve primarily independently owned booksellers. Today, the organization actively supports free speech, literacy, and programs that encourage children to read, as well as the continued education of independent booksellers.

Gerald Ritchie, the bookstore's manager, was delighted to hear of Gigi Weinreich's nomination. "I can't think of a better person," he said. "I sincerely hope she gets it-she deserves it." He added that the honor is "certainly a prestigious award."

Judging for the Charles S. Haslem Award takes place March 20 through April 20.