ELAINE PETROCELLI opened a tiny bookstore, 40 years ago. At the time, she envisioned a place that would bring the world of books to customers of all ages. Today there are Book Passage stores in Corte Madera, The San Francisco Ferry Building and Sausalito. Book Passage ships books across the world, and hosts over 900 author events each year. The Book Passage News & Reviews is sent to over 35,000 people. Book Passage events raise money for Hospice, The National Kidney Foundation, Community Clinics, Canal Community Alliance, Abused Women Services, Aids Projects, Breast Cancer Action, Adult Literacy, 10,000 Degrees and many other programs. In 2016 alone, Book Passage donated over $100,000 to schools and charities. Petrocelli is a regular guest on KGO Radio’s Ronn Owens program. She is interviewed frequently by media including NPR, The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. She has been honored as the Citizen of the Year by The Marin Education Fund. The International Women’s Forum selected her as “A Woman Who Makes a Difference,” and Publisher’s Weekly chose her as Bookseller of the Year. Senator Barbara Boxer honored her as a Woman Making History.

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