part remained untouched, a new addition to the floor is making it the most talked about. The Hallmark department, located on the ground floor since the Phoenix Centre opened in 1990, has moved up one floor, extended its offerings and, according to customers, is the Bookmart's perfect companion. "Part of the idea behind the move was that upstairs had a quieter atmosphere where people would get less jostled,'' explained Kim Young, manager of the Bookmart.

"They can look at cards here at a more leisurely pace. The lighting is right, the fixtures have all been replaced, we play soft music, and we feel these all go well together. Customers really enjoy it. A lot come in and say `Oh, this looks just like the States.' We haven't had many physical changes in the Bookmart, but the floor has physically changed with the addition of the cards.'' According to Mrs. Young, customers can be served by any staff member of the Bookmart or the Hallmark department, whether purchasing books, greeting cards, stationery or any of the many gift items or accessories. "From a staffing point of view it works because everything is on the same floor with the cashiers in the bullpen in the centre,'' she said. "We're trying to have it be cohesive and so we have to have card specialists who to know about books and book specialists who have to learn about cards.'' Part owner of the Bermuda Drug Company Ltd., under which the Phoenix Centre is run, Mrs. Young said she welcomes the change and especially enjoys encouraging others to read.

"I enjoy it because there's a lot of interaction with customers and I have a keen interest in books of all types and am trying to encourage younger people to read more. I've seen a noticeable change in the amount of educational books that parents want for their children and also an increase in the number of people who read, since (talk show host) Oprah (Winfrey) began her book review.

As soon as a book is announced, the phone is ringing the next morning to see if we have it in stock. I think it has increased the reading population tremendously.'' Hardcover and New York Times bestsellers are sold at cover price and provision has also been made for those readers with special requests. "In just one bookstore, with the variety of people in Bermuda, we can't have a large selection of everybody's taste,'' said Mrs. Young. "But as long as it's not a really unusual book from an unusual publisher, we can get it within two to three weeks. We're trying to make the time limit smaller Order your own of certain books or books which are out of print. And there's no extra charge for ordering. We love to do it for people.'' On Wednesday evening, as part of the Phoenix Centre's week-long celebrations, the Bookmart has invited members of its Avid Readers' Club and local authors to join them for refreshments. And a colouring contest, sponsored by Ladybird books, is open to all ages. PHOTO Special book ordering is fast and easy with the help of the Bookmart staff.

From left, supervisor Tina Ming and Joie Hollis Manager of the Bookmart, Kim Young PHOENIX BUSINESS BUC