NAASR EXPANDS BOOKSTORE, IMPROVES HEADQUARTERS

09-08-18-naasr-expands-bookstore-improves-headquar ters
Tuesday August 18, 2009

Belmont, Mass. – The National Association for Armenian Studies and
Research (NAASR) Bookstore has undergone an expansion while significant
improvements have been made to the NAASR Headquarters building.

NAASR’s Bookstore, which has been in existence since the 1960s as a
distributor of books in English on Armenian and related subjects, is
the largest of its kind in the world and has long needed additional
space. A wall to an adjoining room formerly used as an office was
opened, creating a new space nearly double the previous area. A table
and chairs allow customers to sit and browse in comfort.

The increased size will allow for better display of books, including
special featured titles. For example, in September and October the
bookstore will have a display of featured titles on Armenian-American
artist Arshile Gorky, a seminal figure in Abstract Expressionist art,
in connection with major exhibitions forthcoming at the Whistler
Museum in Lowell and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The bookstore is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through
Friday, as well as on nights when lectures are held at NAASR, and is
accessible online.

Throughout the summer, other improvements have been undertaken at the
NAASR Headquarters. New windows have been installed throughout the
building and updated high-efficiency lighting has been installed in the
second floor Edward and Helen Mardigian Library, with the remainder of
the building to be done before the end of summer. The new lights have
dramatically improved working and viewing conditions in the library.

New fuel-efficient gas furnaces will also be installed in the
fall. These green projects have been undertaken through the generosity
of NAASR’s members and friends, including a major grant from the
Edward & Helen Mardigian Foundation of Detroit.

The fall will continue what has been NAASR’s busiest year ever for
lectures and public programs. Through August 2009, it has sponsored
or co-sponsored more than 30 programs in four states and Canada. The
fall schedule is currently being worked out and announcements will
be forthcoming.