WS Chronicle

Bookmarks has named Caitlyn “Cat” VanOrder Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2019. VanOrder is a frontline bookseller who excels in her customer service and community outreach roles. She is an avid young adult (YA) fiction reader and oversees Bookmarks’ Teen Advisory Council (TAC). Under her guidance, the TAC discusses books, helps with community engagement projects, and helps plan YA author events. VanOrder is adept at leading literary discussions and encouraging readers to explore new genres.

Of Bookmarks’ Teen Advisory Council, VanOrder says, “I’m incredibly proud of how far they’ve come and am excited about the potential for future growth. We can’t wait for the TAC Open House, which will take place on Friday, June 14 at Bookmarks. We hope young adult readers in our community will come out to learn more about getting involved in book discussions and author events!”

In addition to being a voracious reader, VanOrder is also an avid writer who hopes to become a published author. Her favorite genres to read and write in are science fiction, fantasy, young adult, and adult fiction. VanOrder holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Salem College. She interned at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) and assisted with various exhibits during her time there. The project management and curative skills she acquired at MESDA have been especially useful in her frontline role at Bookmarks.

“Cat’s enthusiasm for books and reading is contagious,” said Bookmarks Bookstore Manager Beth Seufer Buss. “Her knowledge of young adult literature has helped better develop that section in our bookstore and—when coupled with her love of science fiction, fantasy, and history—has resulted in creative displays. Under her guidance, the Teen Advisory Council has developed over the past year, hosting several author events and participating in the store’s Independent Bookstore Day activities. It has been a joy to watch Cat grow as a bookseller this year, and we’re so appreciative for all her hard work and dedication.”

Bookmarks is a literary nonprofit organization that fosters a love of reading and writing in the community. The programming connects readers with authors and books and is achieved through the largest annual book festival in the Carolinas (which will be held September 5–8); an Authors in Schools program, which reaches 9,000 students annually; and year-round events in their gathering space and nonprofit independent bookstore located at 634 W. Fourth Street #110. Visit bookmarksnc.org for more information.