"The bookshop has a thousand books, all colours, hues and tinges, and every cover is a door that turns on magical hinges"
—NANCY BYRD TURNER
We opened River Bookshop six years ago today because we believed that all great small towns should have an independent bookstore. We designed it and have operated it to be a "Third Place": inviting, accessible, fun, and active. The day we opened the Bookshop six years ago we gave a speech in front of the shop, quoting the late John Lewis, who said that one should always cause "good trouble." We have lived up to his advice by fighting book banning, and supporting marginalized voices, including Indigenous, Black, and LGBTQ causes, despite some backlash. We have also championed the arts, local authors, fighting climate change, and safe streets. 🪄
And we have done that in a fully restored 1885 heritage building that was recognized by the Architectural Society of Ontario in 2022.
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT: RIVER BOOKSHOP
When we opened the bookshop, we commissioned David Creed to paint the mural on our east wall, featuring a quote from author Margret Atwood: "A word after a word after a word is power." When we installed that mural, there were probably only 13 art installations in the entire town. Not only did it kick off the creation of Art Alley, but it has caused many other businesses and artists to add to a growing art scene. Today, Amherstburg definitely has an arts reputation with over 60 art installations.
One of the things that we have most been proud of is our focus and energy on getting children to read, from the friendly and colourful design of our shop to our huge collection of children’s books. We also have two children’s book clubs, and our Sunday morning Story Time with celebrity readers is a Sunday magnet for children and their parents. But we clearly know that we have a big job ahead of us to get children reading books. We fully believe that if kids read books they have a better chance of growing up to be better adults.
River Bookshop is definitely an example of What Makes Amherstburg Great. Please join us this weekend when we celebrate our sixth birthday. Details below! 🎉
Next week, What Makes Amherstburg Great is all about cycling. What we have in infrastructure now and what we could add would help make Amherstburg known for active and safe cycling.
—Richard
It's almost here! Our bookshop's sixth anniversary is this coming weekend 🎉 and we're celebrating!
On Saturday & Sunday, August 8-9th, save 16% off of almost everything (except TWSBI and Jellycat) to celebrate our 6 years. You can shop the sale in store and online. And if you shop in store, you'll also receive a free birthday cookie with purchase (while supplies last, courtesy of Evelyn's Candy House)! We also have two great events on Sunday the 9th (details below). We'd love to say thank you in person if you visit the shop!
We also want to thank the bookshop staff for everything they do: Cindy, Taylor, Julienne, Darrie-Ann, Brie, Kyle, and Hayley. Each one of them brings a set of unique skills to the shop, and River wouldn't be what it is without them all.
And thanks to Richard and Colleen as well for all of the work they've put into the shop. As booksellers we get to ask Richard about his book recommendations regularly, and we thought our customers would like to see them as well. That's why we're launching a new monthly feature: Peddie's Picks. The first issue will be out tomorrow, and then you can expect to see the feature here in the Buzz going forward.
—Meghan
HAPPY BIRTHDAY STORY TIME SUNDAY
River Bookshop is celebrating its 6th birthday, and Richard and Colleen Peddie invite you to join them at Story Time this Sunday at 11AM. They will be sharing fun and interactive stories from the Children's Nook shelves.
Join us at River Bookshop this and EVERY SUNDAY for Story Time at 11AM. Celebrate our Birthday, and cheers to 6 years of Story Telling with our little friends and their families.
BOOK LAUNCH SUNDAY AT 2PM: LOCAL AUTHOR EVENT
Join us on August 9th for a reading with Karl Jirgens and Gord Grisenthwaite. This will be Karl's Amherstburg launch of his newest book, Travesties. A reading and Q&A will be followed by book signings. Event starts at 2PM, outside in Open Air, weather permitting. Books will be for sale before and after the event. We hope you can join us!
BOOKS IN THE 'BURG BOOK CLUB MEET UP TUESDAY
For our Books in the 'Burg meetup for the summer, we're combining July & August into one. We'll meet Aug. 11th to discuss two books: The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley, and Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez.
Books are available at 15% off to members. Visit us in store or email us to inquire about joining. The meet up will be on Aug. 11th at 7PM, upstairs in the Hole in the Wall, and offered on Zoom as well. We'll also have snacks for everyone to enjoy at the meetup!
Last Sunday the rain could not keep our Story Time families away...the STORY must go on! We crammed into the Children's Nook for a cozy-fun reading by local Fire Fighter Cameron, who taught our families about fire safety and fire prevention. Huge thank you to Fire Fighter Cameron.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team