Books Are Back in Nearby Beverly Hills

If avid readers and book aficionados didn't mind driving to Beverly Hills for Borders books than they won't be disappointed by the new Books-A-Million store at Southfield Road and 13 Mile Road.

Especially not today. Starting at 10 a.m. the national chain's latest store will celebrate its grand opening with a series of family-friendly events, deals, and special giveaways to mark the return of a local bookstore.

The location stayed vacant since Borders closed all its stores amid federal bankruptcy proceedings in 2011, leaving many Bloomfield-area residents without a major bookstore.

"To me, it's more about a community connection said local book-lover Kathy Sinclair at the store's soft opening last week. People want to come into a place and ask for suggestions, look at books and other things and see them for themselves. We saw the sign go up and were just so happy that they're here."

And representatives with the Alabama-based chain said they are happy to be here.

"We're very excited about this store for several reasons, but this represents a new concept for us with our kids section," said District Manager Juneda Marhevka. "We'll have an activity area for crafts, birthday parties and other activities along with our expansive selection of children's books."

Today, customers can register for free giveaways and prizes including a Nook HD with case and a Nook HD+ with case during the event, and there are more free giveaways for adults and kids planned throughout the day.

The Cat in the Hat and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz will make appearances for story time, crafts and photo opportunities, and a Lego build session, Star Wars trivia, face painting and free food are also planned.

Marhevka said prizes will be distributed every hour, and that the first 100 children in attendance will receive a free Dr. Seuss lunch bag with lucky winner discovering a $100 gift card. Also, the first 100 adult customers will receive a free BAM bag with one receiving a $200 BAM gift card.

Regular store hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.