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Arts & Entertainment

Russell Simmons' Stardom Packs Borders Bookstore

The media mogul was in town to sign copies of his latest book.

The line at Borders Bookstore wrapped around the building twice yesterday at the Boulevard at the Cap Centre in Largo.

Before hip-hop pioneer-turned-business mogul Russell Simmons arrived at the signing for his latest book, Super-Rich: A Guide to Having it All, employees at the store could hardly handle the crowd.

“The line was more than we expected,” said Tiffany Green, a Borders employee.

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The store expected about 200 fans to attend the book signing, but nearly 400 people packed the store. The book signing was the first of many events that will be held at Borders this month. 

“We sat aside 200 wristbands and books for fans, but we ran out of those almost two hours ago," Green said.

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But the line didn't shy anyone away.

“It's worth it because he's come so far and accomplished so much,” said Monique Jackson of Washington, D.C.

She had two books in her hand that she wanted Simmons to sign. “I'm pretty much at the end of the line, but I'm not the last person," Jackson said. "Since I'm here, I'm just going to wait until I see him."

Thirty minutes after he was scheduled to appear, Simmons and his entourage arrived at the store with fans cheering his arrival. After a brisk walk through the crowd, he found his way to the book signing table.

“Sorry I'm late," Simmons said smiling.

And just like that, the line started moving. Women, teens and families all crowded the book signing table, one at a time getting Simmons to autograph their respective book copies and snapping photos.

One of the first fans to greet Simmons was Joshua Harding, who had camped out at the store since 4:30 that afternoon.

“I had Russell's first book," said Harding, an Oklahoma native. "I read it while I was serving in Iraq and it really helped to get me through. The book inspired me to get my life together and do what I have to do to take care of my family and my kids. I want to be able to take care of them, and Russell has taught me how."

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