Happy Banned Books Week!
This week bookstores and libraries are celebrating books that have been challenged and banned over the years. Not familiar with Banned Books Week? Here’s how the American Library Association describes it, “Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community; librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types, in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.”
For Banned Books Week, we will have a special panel event on Thursday, September 29, from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM. We’ll have four experts talking about the importance of free and open access to information: Jack M. Haringa, chairman of the English department at Worcester Academy; Patty Cryan, owner of Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester; Trisha J. Wooldridge, author of three children’s novels and editor of over fifty other novels; and Suzanne Lahna, manager of ABSW, freelance editor, and working for her Masters in Library Science.
We continue to thank all of our friends who have been voting for us in the Telegram’s “Best Of” ballot! We are up for “Best Bookstore” in Worcester County. If you agree, we would appreciate your vote! Added bonus: registering to vote gets you entered to win $300. You can also support your other favorite local businesses and vote for a variety of places that you think are the “Best Of” in their category.
ABSW is also helping sponsor the 2016 WCCATV New Voices award. The contest is looking for Young Poets Poems as well as hosting their singing contest. Among the prizes are gift certificates to Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester. Find out more on their website. The deadline is October 15.
Also happening THIS WEEK…
TODAY, Monday, September 26, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, we welcome back The Free People’s Artists Workshop, for their monthly networking and feedback meeting. Open to all artists and co-sponsored by the Worcester County Poetry Association, join us and share whatever piece of art or writing you’re working on!
And because we’re really excited about this, let us invite you again on Thursday, September 29, from 7:00 – 8:00 PM for our Banned Books Discussion Night. Join ABSW staff and Worcester educator Jack M. Haringa for a discussion of why it’s important to keep books from being banned, as well as a look at books that have been banned or challenged, and why it’s important we read these books.
And here’s a look at October…
NEW TIME: Friday, October 14, 4:00 PM – Rainbow Readers Youth discusses Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera.
Saturday, October 15, 6:00 PM – Rainbow Readers discusses Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire.
Thursday, October 20, 7:00 PM – Doctor Who Discussion Night ranks the Top Ten Scariest Doctor Who episodes!
SPECIAL EVENT: Saturday, October 22, ALL DAY – ABSW Celebrates Halloween Dark Shadows Style. Day includes panel discussions on the show, trivia with prizes, Skype talks with actors, a visit from Penny Dreadful XIII from Penny Dreadful’s Shilling Shockers, and even a costume contest with prizes!
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND FUN: Saturday – Sunday, October 29-30, ALL DAY – Drop-in Crafts in the mornings, spooky stories in the afternoons, and grab-bags for anyone in costume while supplies last.
Monday, Halloween, October 31, ALL DAY – Visit the store in costume for grab-bag treats while supplies last.
As a reminder, here are our regular events…
Spinning Yarns Craft and Audiobook Social, every Monday 7:00 PM (except for when the Free People’s Artists Workshop meets the last Monday of the month). Bring a craft and enjoy an audiobook or audio drama with other crafty booklovers!
Worcester Storytellers, the fourth Friday of every month from 7-8:30 PM. September’s special BIRTHDAY event features Jennifer Martelli and Kevin Carey. For the complete updates and schedules, follow Worcester Storytellers on Facebook! Next meeting on September 23.
The Free People’s Artists Workshop, the fourth Monday of each month from 7:00-9:00 PM. Networking and feedback from other artists and creators of all types. Co-sponsored by the Worcester County Poetry Association. Next meeting TODAY September 26.
Doctor Who Talks, the third Thursday of every month from 7:00 – 8:00 PM. Join us for a discussion of our favorite science fiction serial. Every month will have a different topic! Next meeting, October 20.
Rainbow Readers Youth of Massachusetts is an LGBTQIA book club specific to teens, meeting once a month on first Fridays from 7:00-9:00 PM. Next meeting, October 14.
The Rainbow Readers of Massachusetts is an LGBTQIA book club that will meet once a month on third Saturdays from 6:00-8:00 PM. Next meeting, October 15.
As always, keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.
May your world be filled with wonderful words!
Annie's Book Stop of Worcester 