Tuesday, September 1, 2026

From Audiobooks to eBooks: Explore libro.fm’s Digital Library Expansion

 Ebooks are coming to Libro!

Libro.fm logo


Do you read ebooks?


Soon, you’ll be able to support Bluestocking Books with your ebook purchases using Libro.fm! They’re a Certified B Corp that acts as an extension of our store, so all your digital reads—audiobooks and ebooks—can be read in one place and benefit us financially (versus another big tech corporation). 


What sets Libro’s ebooks apart?


Libro.fm has a ton planned to make sure the ebook experience is a great one!

LibroSync 

Readers who own both the audiobook and ebook will be able to toggle between the two versions, automatically syncing their spot. Or they can follow along in the ebook while listening to the audiobook! 

Flexible credits 

Membership credits and credit bundles can be used on audiobooks or available ebooks. Same credits, so many options! 

Member perks 

Right now, Libro.fm members receive special perks like 30% off à la carte audiobooks and access to exclusive sales. Once ebooks launch, members will not only keep those audiobook benefits but also get access to member-only ebook offers!


Will the ebooks be DRM free? 


All of Libro’s audiobooks will remain DRM-free, and they are working to bring on as many DRM-free ebooks as they can. Where this isn't possible due to publisher terms, they are making ebooks as accessible as possible. It's also important to note that with Libro, your purchases and credits are yours to keep. Credits never expire, and once you purchase audiobooks or ebooks with Libro, you retain access, no matter if you cancel or pause your membership.


Do I have to own both the audiobook and ebook for LibroSync? 


Yes, readers will have to own both the audiobook and ebook version for LibroSync to work. But they are exploring bundles and different packaging deals to make this offer more affordable for readers! 


Do I have to use the Libro app? 


No, readers do not have to use the Libro.fm iOS or Android apps to read ebooks. They are working to ensure the ebooks are accessible on different ereaders, too. That being said, the app provides the best experience, including access to great features like LibroSync! 


Can I read Libro ebooks on my ereader? 


Yes, Libro.fm’s ebooks are compatible with different ereaders. Because they use either DRM-free or LCP files, you’ll be able to read them across compliant devices.  


Can I read Libro ebooks on my Kindle? 


Unfortunately, due to Amazon’s closed ecosystem, Libro.fm’s ebooks will not be accessible on Kindle. However, they are compatible on other ereader devices, and the app offers a great reading experience, which includes access to features like LibroSync. 


Can I read Libro ebooks on my Kobo? 


Libro.fm is working to make ebooks as accessible as possible, which includes the ability to read them on different ereaders and apps. While they can’t confirm the extent of ereader compatibility just yet, they will share clear information ahead of launch. But the best reading experience, including access to features like LibroSync, will be available in the Libro.fm app.


Will Libro offer an all-you-can-read subscription service like Kindle Unlimited? 


At this time, Libro.fm does not offer a subscription service. Instead, they offer different membership plans or the ability to purchase à la carte and credit bundles (where one credit = one audiobook). These credits can be used on both audiobooks and ebooks. 


How can I, a customer, learn more? 


You can find out more at libro.fm/ebooks. There, you’ll find additional information and timely updates as the launch date approaches! And if you have additional questions, you can always email the Libro team at hello@libro.fm, where you’ll get a real response from a real book-loving human.


To find out even more, click on the Libro.fm Bluestocking Books link:

libro.fm/ebooks?bookshop=bluestockingbooks





Saturday, August 1, 2026

August: The Summer's Last Stand

“This morning, the sun endures past dawn. I realise that it is August: the summer’s last stand” was written by Irish author Sara Baume in her book, "A Line Made by Walking". What makes this book the perfect end-of-summer read? In one line, Baum captures that feeling of the fleeting summer and awareness that the season must come to an end. The book follows a young artist who retreats to her family's empty rural home to contemplate the challenges she is facing in her life. Through her reflections on solitude, routine, and slow, deliberate living, she experiences a summer-end transition and finds the means to self-understanding.


Sara Baume A Line Made by Walking




Hillcrest CityFest August 9, 2026



Hillcrest CityFest aerial photo.




Hillcrest CityFest is the ultimate neighborhood summer street party! The fun kicks off at noon on Sunday August 9, and the party doesn’t stop until 11PM. Expect route closures throughout Hillcrest. This free, all-ages music festival also showcases arts, crafts, and food. The Kid’s Zone returns this year, including drag queen storytime! A new addition this year is the CityFest Wine Garden, a ticketed tasting experience in Mural Alley from noon until 6PM. Bluestocking Books will be open when you need a quiet moment to relax and contemplate your next engaging read.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Navigating Hillcrest During Pride Week: Your Ultimate Bluestocking Books Guide



Graphic map of the 2026 San Diego Pride Parade route. It features a bright pink background and highlights the parade path moving along University Avenue and Sixth Avenue. Labels mark the start at Richmond Ave., a media coverage area, three review stations, and the finish line near Balboa Park.

 

🌈 Navigating Hillcrest During San Diego Pride Week (July 11–19)


Expect heavy traffic congestion, strict no-parking zones, and major street closures throughout Hillcrest as our community celebrates San Diego Pride
Street closures roll out heavily starting Friday, July 18, through the massive parade on Saturday, July 19. Because Bluestocking Books is located at 3817 Fifth Avenue—just blocks from the main parade path—driving and parking nearby will be nearly impossible.
We highly encourage you to utilize alternative transit to pick up your book orders and summer reads.

🚌 Smart Transit Options to Visit the Shop


  • Free Pride Shuttle
    Park your vehicle for free at the Old Naval Hospital parking lots (Park Blvd. & Presidents Way). Hop on the free San Diego Pride Shuttle, which drops off at Essex and Vermont Street—just a short walk to our shop.
     
  • Public Transit (MTS)
    Ride the MTS Trolley to a nearby station and catch a bus into Hillcrest. Please note that bus routes 1, 3, 10, 11, and 120 will utilize detours on Saturday, July 19. Check the MTS Pride Parade Alerts Page for updated stop locations.
  • Bikes & Scooters
    Beat the traffic entirely by using two wheels! A dedicated bike and scooter corral will be hosted nearby at Balboa Drive and El Prado.
  • Ride Share
    Avoid parking hassles by booking a rideshare service. Expect surge pricing and plan for drop-offs a few blocks away from the main street closures.

📚 Pride Weekend Store Hours


Despite the street chaos, Bluestocking Books will remain open for our regular business hours to make sure you can get your books:
  • Saturday, July 18: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday, July 19: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM



📚 Plan Ahead and Stay Safe


Plan ahead, expect delays, and give yourself extra time to grab your summer reads! We highly encourage you to utilize alternative transit, our curbside service, or our direct digital storefronts:
  • 🚗 Easy Curbside Pickup: Skip the parking hassle! Order ahead on the Bluestocking Books website or phone in your order. Pay when you place your order and specify curbside pickup. When you pull up outside the front of the store, just call us to let us know you're there, and we will bring your books straight out to your car!
  • 📦 Mail Delivery (New Books): Prefer to stay home entirely? You can order brand-new books through our affiliate portal at Bookshop.org/shop/bluestockingbooks. Your books will ship directly to your door while still supporting our local shop!
  • 🎧 Audiobooks: Get immediate access to your next listen by purchasing audiobooks through our affiliate page at Libro.fm/bluestockingbooks. You can listen instantly while supporting us!


A historical political cartoon depicting an American bald eagle with a U.S. shield, spreading its wings over a nest of four fledglings.



💥 Open 10–3 on July 4th


Planning to stock up on summer reads for the long holiday weekend? Please note that Bluestocking Books will have shortened hours on the Fourth of July so our team can celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
Be sure to drop by early to grab your books before we close!

📅 July 4th Store Hours

  • Friday, July 4th: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Shortened Hours)

📦 Beat the Holiday Rush

Avoid the last-minute rush by placing your orders ahead of time:
  • Online Store: Order directly on the Bluestocking Books Website and specify curbside pickup in the order notes. Call us when you are nearing the shop and we will bring your books out to your vehicle.
  • Call Ahead: Phone in your book choices, prepay, and we will bring them straight to your car when you pull up outside!



Stay safe and hydrated, plan your route ahead of time, and pop in to show us your festive Pride style when you pick up your reads. Thank you for supporting our independent shop during this busy time! Don't forget to call us when you pull up if you are using our curbside pickup option.

From Audiobooks to eBooks: Explore libro.fm’s Digital Library Expansion

  Ebooks are coming to Libro! Do you read ebooks? Soon, you’ll be able to support Bluestocking Books with your ebook purchases using Libro.f...