An Indie Bookstore During a Pandemic w/ Joanna Parzakonis

Colby: I’ve worked with Joanna Parzakonis the last handful of years on Nerd Camp Michigan. Joanna and her husband Derek are the co-owners of the independent bookstore Bookbug in Kalamazoo, Michigan. During the stay at home order in Michigan, I have found myself worried about how this order might be impacting my favorite bookstore. I called Joanna last week to talk to her about her journey to becoming a bookstore owner, why she opened a bookstore in Kalamazoo, and how COVID-19 has impacted their mission. I hope you like the episode. I found Joanna’s story inspiring.
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This episode is sponsored by Heinemann, and their professional book READ THE WORLD by Kristin Ziemke and Katie Muhtaris. Use the code MAYEDU during the month of May to receive 40% off the list price and free shipping within the U.S.
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About Colby Sharp
Colby Sharp is a third grade teacher at Parma Elementary in Parma, Michigan. He is the co-founder of Nerd Camp and Nerdy Book Club. He co-hosts the monthly twitter chats #SharpSchu (with John Schu) and #TitleTalk (with Donalyn Miller)
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