Winchester Book Gallery, 40 years of feeding a love of reading

Show some Love on Independent Bookstore Day
Visit Winchester Book Gallery on May 2nd

By Victoria L. Kidd

Language is arguably one of the greatest of all man’s creations. The ability to communicate ideas—to put words to paper and convey things otherwise abstract—should not be an achievement that’s impact is underestimated. Language has allowed the creation of books, and books have provided us a means of escaping reality, learning new things, exploring food, and finding faith. For some, bookstores are equivalent to universities and lecture halls, temples and sanctuaries.

For 40 years, the Winchester Book Gallery has been a place of such reverence, and despite economic pressures on independent booksellers nationwide, the business is thriving. (Check them out at http://winchesterbookgallery.com.) It’s often seen as a community hub, serving as a place for entertaining game nights, a venue for authors to connect with readers, and a parlor for book clubs to commiserate or rejoice over a protagonist’s pursuits. They are a business that merit celebration and appreciation, and local residents have an opportunity to show them some love by participating in the upcoming Independent Bookstore Day, a day set aside by national bookseller associations and bibliophiles for the celebration of independent booksellers.

Independent Bookstore Day is coming up on May 2nd, which many will recognize as the same day of the Apple Blossom Festival’s Grand Feature Parade. The Gallery will be celebrating from 8am to 10pm, so even “bloomers” will be able to carve out time to stop in, browse, enjoy some of the planned activities, and purchase a book or two on this very special day.

In addition to offering a curated selection of “good reads” the store will be hosting hourly giveaways in appreciation of their customers. Freebies are certainly not the only reason to stop in. Visitors will also find a “favorites book wall” for drawings about literature and for sharing details about favorite books. A poetry mic corner will provide a stage for guests to enjoy and experience poetry—through readings, recitations, and performances—occurring throughout the day. The Book Gallery Prize Wheel will serve up prizes to those participating in literary trivia, and a MadLibs table will be available for everyone to join in the silliness and celebration.

It’s an event that certainly sounds like a lot of fun, particularly in the context of the citywide celebration that culminates that weekend. Locals have supported the Winchester Book Gallery for four decades. Their selection of new books, cards, gifts, e-readers, locally produced art, and more keeps people interested in the little shop, but its the personal service and booklover-to-booklover connection that keeps them coming back. Experience that connection by making plans to attend the 2015 Independent Bookstore Day event. Be sure to circle back to our Facebook page us and let us know what title you picked up!