Lots to chat about today, beginning with continued thoughts and prayers for innocents across the globe enduring continued conflict and hardships. It’s incredibly difficult to watch the news these days without shedding a tear. Looking at our families of happy readers, especially our young readers, visiting throughout this weekend, I couldn’t help but to share joy in their smiling faces, but at the same time be so sad to imagine the tragedy of those not so blessed and safe in Summerville.
Those of us in a position to help, we encourage you to do so. But also important: please join us in simply being grateful every day for the lives and liberties and extraordinary Summerville community we may sometimes take for granted. We’re indeed grateful to all of you!
Okay, back to bookish biz: Don’t forget Wednesday Stories on the Square at 9:30 a.m. AND Third Thursday, this month from Summerville Dream featuring a theme of Princesses & Pirates. Sure, we’ll play along – come check out a variety of Princess and Pirate books and grab a treat worthy of any princess or pirate while you’re here!
Next, we have a few VERY special events coming up we wanted to bring to your attention:
First, we’re bring the Porch to Main Street Reads! Yep, we’re celebrating the written word with our friends at Summerville’s own South Porch Artists Residency. Each month, hosting artists and entrepreneurs Brad Erickson and Brian Protheroe bring in budding artists from around the country to create art and community at their historic property (516 Central Ave).
They (and we!) believe that artists, writers, scholars and clergy – while often undervalued – provide essential services to our society, and to each of us as human beings. They uncover the universe, reveal our common humanity, expose injustice, point to reconciliation, and nurture our hearts, minds and spirits. And this month, we have a VERY unique opportunity to bring their visiting writers to share with YOU at Main Street Reads!
This will be a Thursday evening event on October 26th (Fourth Thursday), and refreshments will be served. We invite you to come hear their words and mix and mingle with these bright young minds! Learn more about the event and featured artists as they’re added HERE!
And that’s just part of the week as we’re now officially knee-deep in Spooktacular season in Summerville! Which means we’ll have treats all day on Spooktacular Saturday (10 a.m. – 1 p.m. stores around the square will also be treating customers). And on Sunday, author A.F. Winter, who brought us Man in the Pandemic, is back with a delightfully spooktacular tale of Mr. Albert, a person who’s, well, not alive, but not “dead-dead” either.
We’re in the News: Palmetto Life Profile!
Okay, we’re fans of the new Palmetto Life morning show, in no small part because A) It’s on at 9 a.m. before we open (ha ha) and B) We were featured there Monday at 9 a.m.! Click HERE to watch the video or click on the image above – thanks Palmetto Life!
Nominate Your Favorite Bookseller!
Nominations are open for the James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program!! If you’ve discovered a new writer or a new favorite book or new community pals with the help of one (or more) of us, you can return the favor by nominating us this year for the James Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program.
James Patterson has increased his contribution, pledging a total of $300,000! This year, 600 booksellers from ABA member bookstores will receive $500.
Booksellers can be nominated by bookstore customers, owners, employees, managers, fellow booksellers, publishing professionals, or authors.
The deadline for nominations is November 15.
Nominations can be made online by completing and submitting THIS simple nomination form, which asks one easy question: “In 250 words or less, why does this bookseller deserve a holiday bonus?”
The deadline to nominate a bookstore employee for a holiday bonus is November 15, 2023. Show your favorite local bookseller some love. Nominate them for a holiday bonus 🙂 Your Main Street Reads booksellers eligible for nomination include (in alphabetical order): Charlotte Beck, Kelley Dykes, Kristy Fowler, Kellen Phelps, Shari Stauch, and Makayla Summers!
Calling Volunteers for Timrod Fall Fest!
Fall Fest happens Saturday, Nov. 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Timrod Library. This annual celebration of books, food, family, and fun is their biggest fundraiser, and to make it a success they need US! Here are some ways you can help:
1. Set up and cleanup. Before Fall Fest the Timrod needs strong volunteers at the Library at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 3 to help set up tables and tents on the front lawn and to carry books out to the tents. After Fall Fest is over (Saturday at 2 p.m.) they will need help taking down tents and tables and cleaning up in and around the Library.
- To volunteer for set up or clean up, please contact Shari Stauch: 843-834-1872 (call or text) or mainstreetreads@gmail.com
2. Provide casseroles and baked goods. Food items are a big hit at Fall Fest each year. If you can provide casseroles or baked goods, contact PJ Pratt at the Timrod Library 843-871-4600 (no texts) or contactus@thetimrodlibrary.org
3. Buy tickets for the 50/50 cash prize drawing. Last year’s purse was over $500! Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5. Available NOW through Nov. 4 at the Library.
4. Come and shop on Nov. 4! As always, Fall Fest features our BIG book sale, with hardcovers, paperbacks, children’s books, plus rare, antique, and vintage editions. Start shopping and preparing for the holidays with food, book-themed and hostess gift items, and sweetgrass baskets.
5. Donate! Can’t cook? No time to volunteer or shop? Please consider a monetary donation via phone by calling the Timrod Library at 843-871-4600.
Whatever you choose and whatever you can contribute, please know how much your support matters to the success of Fall Fest and the Timrod Library.