It’s officially October — and that means two of our favorite things collide this week at Main Street Reads: Spooktacular Season and Banned Books Week!
From October 5th–11th, we’re celebrating the freedom to read with 10% off all banned and challenged titles — from The Bluest Eye to The Handmaid’s Tale, from Gender Queer to The Hunger Games. Come discover the books that have sparked conversations, opened minds, and shaped generations.
7 Reasons Why Banned Books Week Still Matters
Why does Banned Books Week matter? Here, seven reasons that say it all:
- It Defends the Freedom to Read. Everyone deserves access to stories that challenge and inspire.
- It Honors Diverse Voices. Many banned books amplify marginalized perspectives that deserve to be heard.
- It Encourages Critical Thinking. Reading controversial works teaches us how to think — not what to think.
- It Protects Democracy. Censorship threatens free expression, a cornerstone of any free society.
- It Connects Communities. Discussing banned books builds empathy and understanding across differences.
- It Inspires the Next Generation. Kids who read freely grow up to think independently and creatively.
- It Reminds Us: Stories Have Power. The very books some seek to silence often hold the truths we most need to face.
💡 Join us all week to celebrate stories too bold to be banned — and check out the spooktacular lineup of events happening all month long at Main Street Reads!
👻 Upcoming October Events:
Sunday, October 5–Saturday, October 11
Banned Books Week 2025!
Celebrate the freedom to read — 10% off all banned/challenged titles all week!
Monday, October 6 @ 6:30 pm
Main Street Writes Monday
Writers of all levels gather (via Zoom) to share, write, and inspire!
Tuesday, October 7 @ 6:30 pm
Silent Nights: Quiet Reading Club
Bring your book, grab a comfy chair, and enjoy an hour of peaceful reading. It’s free to attend but we do require you to register HERE!
Wednesday, October 8 @ 9:30 am
Stories on the Square
Storytime for kids — and kids at heart — every Wednesday morning!
Tuesday, October 14 @ 6:30 pm
Thrill in the ’Ville Thriller Club: Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
Wine, snacks, and an edge-of-your-seat discussion!
Thursday, October 16 @ 5:30–8:30 pm
Third Thursday: October Block Party!
Downtown Summerville lights up for this community favorite — join us for treats, specials, and live fun on Main!
Monday, October 20 @ 5:30 pm
Adventures in Reading Kids Club: Blackberry Fox by Kathrin Tordas – A sweet, imaginative tale perfect for young readers. An evening of pizza and great conversation!
Tuesday, October 21 @ 8:00 am
Peaceful Mornings: Quiet Reading Club
Start your day the calm way — coffee, community, and quiet reading.
Tuesday, October 21 @ 6:30 pm
Kiss & Tell Romance Club: The Good Girl Effect by Sara Cate
Join us for love, laughter, and lively conversation!
Saturday, October 25 @ 10:00 am–1:00 pm
🎃 Downtown Spooktacular Trick-or-Treat
Costumes encouraged! Trick or treat through the Farmers Market and downtown shops — we’ll have candy, surprises, and spooky book fun!
Sunday, October 26 @ 1:00–3:00 pm
🍽 Literature & Lunch with Chris Whitaker at The Timrod Library: Join NYT bestselling author Chris Whitaker (All the Colors of the Dark) for an intimate luncheon and author talk — tickets on sale now but hurry, we’re close to sold out!
Tuesday, October 28 @ 6:30 pm
Books & Banter: Buckeye by Patrick Ryan
Engaging fiction and thoughtful discussion — all are welcome.
Friday, October 31 @ 10:00 am–7:00 pm
🎃 Happy Halloween Giveaways!
Stop by for storewide specials, free treats, and a complimentary wizard wand while supplies last!
✨ Looking Ahead:
Sunday, November 2 @ 4:00 pm – Bedazzle Your Books Workshop
Add some sparkle to your shelves! Bring your favorite book (or pick one up here) and we’ll provide all the supplies for creative bedazzling: Join us for an enchanting late afternoon of creativity at Main Street Reads! Bring your favorite book, book cover or tote (or snag one off our shelves!) and get ready to glam it up with glittering accents.
We’ll provide everything—from dazzling supplies to a full kit you’ll take home at the end. While you craft, sip on wine or cider and enjoy festive fall treats in our cozy bookshop atmosphere.
Whether you bedazzle a classic cover or add sparkle to your current read, you and your book will leave with main character energy.
BONUS FUN: Kelley and Katie will be on hand creating custom Blind Date with a Book pairings that night! Bring your shopping list and let us curate the perfect surprise gifts while you craft: You’ll be able to choose all the elements you include with each book, from stickers and pens, to bookmarks, magnets, teas and hot cocoa, custom giftwrap, ribbons and more! Enjoy:
- A cozy, creative meet-up in the bookstore.
- Step-by-step tips, then plenty of time to play and design.
- Wine, cider, and fall-inspired treats included.
- Your very own bedazzling kit to take home (includes 60 colors of beads each!)
- Custom blind-date book picks crafted just for you!
- Friendship, laughter, and books that literally shine.