WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT: CARNEGIE LIBRARY
First of all, River Bookshop fully supports Amherstburg’s Carnegie library. The more people, young and old, who read, the smarter and better educated residents will be. A democracy needs its people to read and it is society's job to make that possible.
"The more that you READ, the more things you will know. The more that you LEARN, the more places you’ll go."
—Dr. Seuss
Between 1903 and 1922 Ontario received 111 free public library buildings funded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Today, roughly 53 to 63 are still operating as active public libraries or adapted for other community uses. Amherstburg should feel very proud that they are a community that has a beautiful active Carnegie library. Some of those Ontario libraries have undergone striking modernizations, blending early 20th Century Beaux-Arts into contemporary accessible buildings.
There is a fair amount of talk about moving the library to a new building that would house town council plus other offices. Making sure Amherstburg has a good functioning library is the first priority, but making the current building more functional / accessible would be a more ambitious and suitable objective. There is room to the west of the building for that expansion. River Bookshop would really like Amherstburg to have an expanded library and would contribute money and assist any major fund-raising needed to restore the existing Carnegie building. 
October is Banned Books month, and libraries and schools have increasingly been the targets of book banners. When you vote in October, pay attention to who is running for School Boards. Better yet, if you meet them, ask them directly, "What is your stance on banning books?"
Candidates:
Greater Essex County District School Board
Mary Jane Fields
Jeremy Palko
Adam Peterson
Windsor Essex Catholic District School Board
Jesmond Tabone
Dana Tonus
Next week: due to demolition by neglect, Amherstburg is in real danger of losing something that Makes Amherstburg Great—Belle Vue.
NEXT SILENT BOOK CLUB: OCTOBER 10TH, 1-3PM
The next Silent Book Club is this weekend! On Saturday, October 10th, from 1PM to 3PM, join us for some quiet reading.
This one will be a special Banned Books read-in, featuring a free audiobook about banned books for attendees, discounts on banned books, and a discussion of book banning!
You can reserve your spot by clicking here.
NATHAN CHRISTOPHER STORY TIME: LOCAL AUTHOR
Author Nathan Christopher is coming to River Bookshop with a brand new book for your little readers this Halloween. Nathan's books are hilariously good fun!
Come join us to hear a reading of WHEN THE WITCH WROTE BACK on Sunday, October 11th at 11AM. Nathan will stay with us afterwards for a book signing.
See you Sunday!
RIVER BOOKSHOP HALLOWEEN EVENTS
The Ghost is Back!
River Bookshop wonders if you dare,
to write a poem you would want to share.
About the ghost who loves our books,
Or hides within the shelves and nooks.
It can be silly, creepy, and full of fall fun,
It can even include a riddle or pun.
We invite 6-18 years olds to give us a fright,
And we can't wait to read the poems you write.
This month, take part in our Kids Poetry Contest (send your poems any time!), and join us later this month for a Pumpkin Carving Contest, Witches Walk trick-or-treating & Costume Contest, and a Poetry Reading for the winners. Events starting at 2PM on October 31st. Save the date!
EVELYN'S CARAMEL APPLES ARE READY FOR THANKGIVING
Made fresh in-house and dressed for the season, our caramel apples are a classic Thanksgiving favourite. Crisp, fresh apples coated in rich, buttery caramel, then topped, drizzled, and decorated with delicious favourites.
Choose from Classic Caramel, Chocolate Covered, Nutty, Drizzled, and more!
Fresh batches from Evelyn’s kitchen all weekend long.
Evelyn's is open all weekend!
Friday & Saturday: 10:00–5:00
Sunday: 11:00–5:00
Monday: 11:00–3:00
SAVE THE DATE for October 31st starting at 2PM, for some Halloween fun!
River Bookshop is open during Thanksgiving weekend:
Friday: 10:00–7:00
Saturday: 10:00-6:00
Sunday: 10:00–5:00
Monday: 11:00–5:00
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team