NAASR Expands Bookstore, Undertakes Improvements to Headquarters

A scene from NAASr's Bookstore.
A scene from NAASr's Bookstore.

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 in Belmont.

The bookstore, which has been in existence since the 1960’s as a distributor of English-language books 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 recently 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 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 through www.naasr.org.

Throughout the summer, other improvements have been made at the 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 completed 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 and Helen Mardigian Foundation of Detroit, Mich.

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.

For more information, call (617) 489-1610, email hq@naasr.org, or visit www.naasr.org.

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