WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT: QUIZ
What Amherstburg building is this?
A clue... It’s located at the eastern entrance of Art Alley.
Still not sure? Another clue... This shop easily makes the best sourdough bread!
WMAG: THE PANETTERIA
Of course—it’s Anna and Simon’s bakery The Panetteria at 248 Ramsay in beautiful downtown Amherstburg.
Anna and Simon are now back from taking three well-earned weeks off. Did you know that they get up at 3AM five days a week to work their magic? They open at 9AM and you need to get in early to select from their savoury pastries, croissants, Danishes, cookies + more BEFORE THEY ARE ALL GONE!
After shopping at The Panetteria we would be remiss not to suggest a tour of our Art Alley. Check out the 23 art installations with more to come this summer on July 11.
This year, Buzz is going to shine a light on places that make Amherstburg really special. Look for our next story on WHAT MAKES AMHERSTBURG GREAT... The Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
“READING IS TO THE MIND WHAT EXERCISE IS TO THE BODY”
—JOSEPH ADDISON
Recently there was a very interesting article by Rick Lash in the Globe & Mail entitled “The Power of the Printed Word: When we stop reading we forget how to think.” We encourage you to seek out the article as it’s an important read, available with a Globe & Mail subscription. Here are some of its important highlights:
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Most of our students are functionally illiterate. This is not a joke. -
A thinning of thought is taking place: a slow erosion of our collective ability to hold complex ideas in mind, weigh evidence and live with uncertainty.
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The printed page recruits the brain’s systems for pattern, recognition, speech, and memory, binding them into an architecture for imagination and reading.
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Reading helps build cognitive reserve, which is the brain’s capacity to cope with ageing and disease.
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Picking up a book is no longer just a private past time. In an age of distraction, it is a civic and cognitive act.
At River Bookshop we have a saying: "kids who read have a much better chance of growing up to be a better adults."
TASTY TALES WITH ANNA: STORY TIME
This week at Story Time we will be enjoying some Tasty Tales. Come enjoy some picture books featuring Tacos, Cookies, and Pasta with our friend and neighbour, Anna from The Panetteria.
Meet us in the Children's Nook at 11 AM this Sunday for Story Time.
VALENTINE'S JELLYDROP SATURDAY JAN 24TH AT 10AM
Get ready to turn up the romance: our Valentine's JELLYDROP will be happening on Saturday, January 24th! They'll be available starting at 10AM when we open.
We know that many of you are waiting, so if you're set on getting one of your favourites, we recommend coming in person for the drop time.
There will be a limit of 2 Valentine's Jellies per person per day for the opening weekend. While supplies last.
For the time being, these Jellies will be available to pick up IN STORE only. They won't be on our website quite yet, but we accept payment over the phone starting at the drop time.
RIVER BOOKSHOP ON SITE AT WALKERVILLE BREWERY
Remember that nostalgic book fair feeling? Walkerville Brewery is bringing it back, and this time you’ve got adult money! River Bookshop will be on site. Stop in for a visit and to enjoy all the fun.
Join us on Saturday, January 24th from 12PM-5PM at Walkerville Brewery for an afternoon filled with all your favourite book fair vibes. Browse and shop from local vendors, independent bookshops, and more—all while enjoying craft beer and cider selections.
It’s the perfect way to indulge your love of books and great brews in one spot. For more details on this event and other happenings at Walkerville Brewery, visit www.walkervillebrewery.com/
It's that time of year! National Puzzle Day is Thursday, January 29th, and to celebrate we're having a WEEK-LONG puzzle sale, starting Sunday, January 25th and running through Saturday, January 31st. All of our puzzles will be 15% off. That includes Eurographics, New York Puzzle Company, and Crocodile Creek!
With the weather we've been having, it's a good time to warm up indoors with a new puzzle.
ROSE CITY WRITERS: NEW WORKSHOPS SERIES
New in 2026, we’re happy to announce a partnership with Rose City Writers, one of Windsor-Essex’s most active writing communities. Throughout the year we’ll be hosting workshops on a range of topics geared towards writers, taking place within River Bookshop or upstairs in the Hole in the Wall.
First up, on Thursday, January 29th, ‘Protect Your Words: A Legal Toolkit for Writers in Canada’ with Pat Papadeas. The event is from 6:30PM-8:00PM, and tickets are open to the public for $15, or $10 for RCW members.
Click here for tickets. For more info about Rose City Writers and how to join, visit @rose.city.writers on Instagram or visit https://rosecitywriters.
Do not miss Gibson Gallery's new exhibit "Small Town, Big industry" put on by the Marsh Collection. Visit the Gibson Gallery for the opening reception January 23rd from 6PM - 8PM. Tickets $25 each. Call Marsh Collection for details at 519-736-9191.
So much to see and do in Amherstburg!
We hope to see you downtown this weekend.
The River Bookshop Team