In the lead up to our 4th anniversary, today's Weekly Buzz is brought to you by the team at River Bookshop. Keep reading for details on this coming weekend, and reflection on our anniversary.
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We've had a busy year! Thanks to ALL of you for a very successful first four years!
- restored a beautiful heritage designated building to house our independent bookshop
- installed a mural by David Creed—the first to kick off the dramatic increase in murals and reproductions in the town—now at 29
- supported local by funding events and encouraging local authors
- hosted Story Time and Junior Book Club, plus a new club to be unveiled soon, following our belief that kids who are exposed to reading at an early age will grow up to be even better adults
We've lived up to our promise to follow the late John Lewis when he said to get in "good trouble, necessary trouble"—by speaking out against banning books and supporting LGBQT+, active streets like Open Air, Black History Month, and addressing climate change
Our values since the day we opened have been to educate, engage, inspire, and entertain. We believe we have done that well, but going forward we will work hard to do even more.
THANK YOU to our readers, our authors, suppliers, neighbours, and for sure our dedicated staff of book lovers. Couldn’t do it without all of you!
—Colleen and Richard, Booksellers and Community Builders
Over the past year, we've expanded our Jellycat selection, our TWSBI fountain pen selection, our Out of Print tote bags, brought in Ooly art supplies, Tattly tattoos, revamped our "Weekly Buzz" newsletter, and started our Tuesday newsletter, "New at River Bookshop."
We've sold many bestsellers and hidden gems too.
We've talked to so many of you about favourite books, and we've hosted several events in the Hole in the Wall. We have so many fun new things coming in all the time. (Pictured below are some of my personal faves.)
We've been busy over the past year, and we've loved every moment of it. Throughout it all, we've been hearing great feedback from you. Here are 10 things our fans have said to us recently:
- "This bookstore is so underrated!"
- "Your store feels so warm and welcoming"
- "MUCH nicer than Indigo"
- "This is my favourite place!" (heard during Story Time)
- "Walking in here improves my mental health"
- "This is officially my favourite bookstore"
- "I could buy a thousand things in here"
- "I'm hooked on your recommendations"
- "I heard you have great stuff, and it’s true!"
- "This is the bookstore where Dog Man lives!!" (exclaimed with glee by a 6 year old boy)
We're honestly so lucky to hear this kind of gratitude on a regular basis. These quotes warm my heart, and I want to thank everyone who's said something like this to us. Every day we use your feedback as motivation to continue to grow. Watch what we do in the next year!
—Meghan, Lead Bookseller
At River Bookshop we believe Books are Magic! Every day this magic is magnified when young readers walk through our door in search of their favourite characters, new books, and especially to take part in the many children's activities and events we have to offer. Such as:
- Character visits with Pete the Cat, Dog Man, or the Grinch
- Holiday events such as our Santa Story Time and our Halloween Parade
- School Field Trips and Pop-Up Book Fairs
- PA Day and March Break activities, like Story Time and Crafts
The excitement and wonder presented at our Children's Book Club events is some of our favourite Book Magic.
Story Time Club
Every Sunday morning at 11AM, River Bookshop hosts Story Time. Each week we feature a special guest reader and theme. Members of the fire department, a local veterinarian, the maestro of the symphony and many other community members have shared story books and often information about their role in our community. Story Time is entertaining and educational for our young readers. We are excited that River Bookshop's owners, Richard and Colleen Peddie, will read this Sunday at 11AM in celebration of the 4th Birthday of River Bookshop!
Junior Book Club
Our Junior Book Club, for 9-12 year olds, meets on a Saturday afternoon every month to month and a half, depending on the length of the book. This Book Club introduces eager young readers to new books, new genres, new characters, and new friends within our group. Each month the group members read our selected book at home and excitedly prepare for our meet up to share their reviews, thoughts, and ratings with each other, as well as participating in creative activities and games.
A NEW BOOK CLUB IS COMING SOON*
Our Junior High Book Club is coming this Fall! We are excited to invite 13-15 year old readers who are ready to step up from Middle School books and into bigger books and series in the YA genre. More information is coming this Fall, so stay tuned and email info@riverbookshop.com to be added to our Junior High Book Club email list. Come join the Magic at River Bookshop!
—Darrie-Ann, Bookseller
With another birthday coming up for River Bookshop, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our top 5 bestselling local authors on a stellar twelve months of sales.
- David Garlick
- John Schlarbaum
- Matthew St. Amand
- Steve Byrne
- Stephen J. Kristof
We have a lot of talent in Essex County and we love to showcase our authors. Next time you visit the shop, please check out our local author section and find a new favourite author. Three times a year we host local author fairs, so keep an eye out for those too. The day is a wonderful chance to meet the talented people in your community and get your favourite books signed. Congratulations, authors!!
—Cindy, Bookseller
This weekend, River Bookshop is turning four! And like many four-year-olds, we're celebrating with chocolate and candy. Visit us this weekend for sweet River Bookshop treats, courtesy of Evelyn's Candy House! Free with any purchase, while supplies last.
To thank our customers, we're also offering 14% off almost everything in store, and online too! (Excludes Jellycat and TWSBI). That's a 1-4 for our 4th birthday. Visit riverbookshop.com or stop into the shop to celebrate with us!
Plus, we have a special surprise gift for every little person who attends Story Time this weekend!
Open Air Weekends continue. Friday Night Market, Live Music Saturday, and Sunday Yoga in the Park. And don't forget, you're invited to our Anniversary Party on Saturday, August 10th, and Sunday, August 11th.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team