"THE RIVER I STEP IN IS NOT THE RIVER I STAND IN"
—Greek Philosopher Heraclitus
The philosopher’s quote above highlights the nature of constant change. Moving at approximately 4 mph, the Detroit River ("Rivière du Detroit" or River of the Strait) is constantly changing. Due to the
river, Amherstburg has always been connected to the world beyond it—through, trade, migration, struggle, and progress.
The river has changed for the better and Amherstburg has changed with it. Due to our place by the river, our area was once a gathering place for diverse Indigenous nations, a battle ground during the War of 1812, Rum Running in the 1920s, and Boblo Boats for 100 years until 1992. Today, Amherstburg is a river town that gathers visitors far and wide to enjoy its heritage downtown, arts scene, and many new unique retail shops.
Check out the park’s beautiful "Our River - Our Home" mural by Dennis White that captures the natural and cultural heritage of the river.
Having our town located right beside a heritage river definitely helps make Amherstburg great! It sets us apart from most of the other small towns of Ontario. And with the new Gordie Howe Bridge only 19 km from Amherstburg, we will soon be welcoming a lot more American friends.
If you wish to learn a great deal more about the Detroit River, pick up a copy of A River Runs Between Us. This book is a work of love by Chris Edwards and Elaine Weeks that they started back in 2018. Today it’s a 382-page book full of very interesting (and often forgotten) stories and timeless photos.
And if you want to enjoy a beautifully written book with over fifty colourful photos of Amherstburg, be sure to also pick up Marty Gervais’s new book Amherstburg: Picture A River Town at River Bookshop. CKBG is currently running a contest to give you a chance to win one of these impressive books.
WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT CONTINUES
Amherstburg is blessed with a few non-profits that help our vulnerable residents. Next week, you will learn more about one of them.
BOOKS IN THE 'BURG MEET UP
For our Books in the 'Burg meet up for May, we will discuss All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman. The book is available at 15% off to members.
Visit us in store or email us to inquire about joining. The meet up will be on May 26th 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!
SILENT BOOK CLUB MEET UP: FRIDAY MAY 22
Join us this Friday, May 22nd, from 6PM to 8PM, for an hour of quiet reading. Bring your current reading material, and chill with us upstairs in the Hole in the Wall.
Arrive alone, or bring friends. Enjoy silent reading in a group setting perfect for connecting with other readers in the area. We'll have refreshments and a book fair table with discounts for Silent Book Club participants.
Hope to see you there! Click here to reserve your spot!
LOVE OUR COMMUNITY STORY TIME
River Bookshop welcomes Kathy DiBartolomeo from Amherstburg Community Living as our Sunday Story Time Reader.
Join us for some stories about serving and loving your community, at 11AM on Sunday at River Bookshop.
A FRESH NEW LOOK OUT FRONT
Little Mischief’s beautiful new sign is officially up, making it even easier to find your favourite boutique baby. We’re also excited to share that we are now OPEN MONDAYS to better serve our growing community of little ones and their families.
Stop in to shop carefully considered pieces and everyday baby and children’s essentials filled with magic & mischief.
...AND THE SUN WAS SHINING! Last Sunday our Story Time friends listened to stories about BEES in the Art Alley. It was so much fun learning about spring flowers and insects outside under the blue sky. Thanks Ina Bernard for joining us as our guest reader. We had so much fun!
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team