October 13, 2007

In 1976, Mary Shipley opened the Book Rack in Blytheville (Mississippi County). That simple bookstore, the name of which was changed to That Bookstore in Blytheville in 1994, has become one of the major stops of world-renowned authors who travel to the northeast Arkansas town to participate in weekly book programs. Author John Grisham is shown here participating in the tradition of signing one of the several wooden chairs located in the back room where programs and book signings take place.