For Bookstore Lovers

Publishers Marketplace, a rich resource for all writers, has launched a small and useful RIA that all bibliophiles will enjoy.

Bookstore Maps is an application made with Google Maps API that allows users to find bookstores throughout the USA. Publishers Marketplace has already loaded the backend database with tons of bookstores in this beta version. It is understandable to see all the major chains including B&N, Border Books and BAM!, but to our delight a large number of small, independent, specialty, and college bookstores have been added as well.

The app contains a number of search fields, and the map has the usual three views: Map, Satellite and Hybrid. When a bookstore is selected, the cloud that crops up shows its various details along with a website URL, and more interestingly a “Street” option. This option gives a zoomed-in view showing all other bookstores in the neigbourhood.

Discovering new bookstores to spend another hour amidst books has never been easier. Check whether your favorite store down the street corner is present in this Bookstore Earth, and update their database otherwise.

It will be nice if they can also add libraries to the database.