An independent, non-profit bookstore will open its doors in Old Town Pittsburg this Friday, November 26, 2010. The Railroad Book Depot will offer a wide assortment new books - hot off the presses, as well as previously-loved books that have been donated by the community. In addition to books, the bookstore will sell stationary, gift items crafted by local artists, as well as other sidelines, bookmarks, bags, and local collectibles. Gift certificates will be available for purchase in the store, and customizable gift packages, like our "book of the month club" are available just in time for the holidays.

The Railroad Book Depot will be owned and operated by the Pittsburg Arts and Community Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life and availability of opportunities for everyone in the Pittsburg area. The concept for the Railroad Book Depot was born out of the belief that a committed community of local volunteers and book enthusiasts can make a marked improvement on literacy in our community. As such, the business model relies largely on volunteers and book donations in order to keep the bookstore profitable. Proceeds from the Railroad Book Depot will benefit the arts, literacy, education, and community programs of the Foundation, and will also benefit our partners - the Friends of the Pittsburg Library and local schools. Revenue generated by the bookstore will fund programs like Pittsburg Summer Reads, Mom & Me Art Class, Reading Zones, the Teen Mural Apprenticeship Program, Theater Collaborations, Community Events, Healthy Pittsburg programs, and more.

The Foundation has been very fortunate in having the previous owner of Bonanza Street Books (Walnut Creek) donate time and resources to the creation and establishment of the Railroad Book Depot. With his help and guidance, and with the expertise of the bookstore's Manager Michael D'Alfonzi, the Foundation is excited to bring a classy, quality, affordable, and community-driven book store to Old Town Pittsburg that reflects the pulse of the local community. The bookstore will host book clubs, bilingual story times, children's programming (i.e. magic shows), and more on a weekly basis, and intends to augment the literary programming at the Pittsburg Library.

The Railroad Book Depot has invited everyone in the region to join them at their Grand Opening Celebration on December 9^th from 5:30 -8:30 P.M. The Grand Opening is free to everyone and will boast activities and programming for readers of all ages including live jazz music, a ribbon cutting ceremony, a red carpet with passed hors'd'ouevres from the New Mecca Restaurant and Restaurant 615, a prize wheel, book signings, a live magic show, free balloon animals of your favorite literary character, children's story time with local celebrities, and of course, cake! 

The Railroad Book Depot will also be taking part of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Celebrations in Old Town Pittsburg on December 4^th and 11^th. Please visit www.RailroadBookDepot.com for more information.