Pop-up bookstore opens at Rockville Town Square
Carpe Librum arrived last week through a partnership between nonprofit Turning the Page and real estate group Federal Realty Investment Trust.
Based in the District, Turning the Page raises money for educational programs and resources in the Washington region. Customers can buy donated books with the proceeds providing better access to learning materials for local students.
“We are excited to be part of this Rockville Town Square community and we are grateful to Federal Realty for making the space available to us,” Turning the Page CEO Jason King said in a statement. “… We encourage shoppers to come in and browse and feel good knowing in your purchase you are helping in the education of our youth.”
The bookstore is at 107 Gibbs St. in the 187,000-square-foot shopping center. It has books, CDs and DVDs on a variety of topics for under $6, according to a Federal Realty news release.
“We believe this bookstore will resonate with the Rockville community especially given its commitment to providing access to education and will complement the offerings already at The Square,” Federal Realty’s Vice President of Asset Management Deirdre Johnson said in a statement.
The bookstore will be open through August. There are also pop-up Carpe Librums in Dupont Circle and the Mazza Gallerie in the District.
King’s goal is to raise $30,000 at the Rockville location.
Marriott International opens 7,000th property
The Bethesda-based hotel company announced the opening of The St. Regis Hong Kong last week in a news release.
The 27-story luxury hotel includes butler service and multiple restaurants.
“It’s thrilling to open our 7,000th property, an incredible milestone for a company that began as a nine-stool root beer stand in 1927 and didn’t even open its first hotel until decades later,” Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson said in a statement.
Sorenson added that the hotel underscores the growth of the company and the opportunities ahead in Asia.
Marriott International has properties across 130 countries and announced in March plans to open 1,700 hotels around the world in the next three years.
Gaithersburg dance studio raises $8,000 for child advocacy center
Bella Ballet dance studio partnered with Saydam Properties Group in late March for a father-daughter fundraiser for The Tree House Child Advocacy Center of Montgomery County.
About 80 pairs of dancers showed up to the Kentlands Clubhouse for the event, which raised $4,000. Bella Ballet and Saydam Properties then match the donation, and an additional raffle fundraiser generated $8,198.
The advocacy center assists children who have survived abuse and neglect through mental health therapy, medical exams and education.
“We’re proud to support Tree House’s work, which is helping children right here in our county when they need it most,” Bella Ballet Founder Hope MacDonald said in a statement. “Most people who live in the affluent DC metro area would be surprised to know there are kids who have been victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect who need to know they are not alone.”
Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce to Host Business Expo
The chamber is showcasing local businesses and entrepreneurs through “EXPOsure: The Mega Mixer,” intended to build connections within the community.
The first annual event will be on April 17 at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. More than 50 community businesses will be on hand, according to a chamber news release.
The mixer is free to attend and will include entertainment and refreshments.
