Events
Readings, book club & story time
Every event is free and drop-in. We set out about forty chairs, so come a little early for the bigger readings. The shop stays open until each event ends.
Author readings
Local writers and a few visiting from further away, reading for twenty minutes and then answering your questions. Books are for sale, and the authors sign.
Celia Wren reads from Huron Bend
Thursday, November 5, 2026 · 7pm – 8:30pm
Ann Arbor poet Celia Wren launches her second collection, Huron Bend, with a reading and a conversation with Theo.
Marguerite Aldous: The Orchard Under the Lake
Tuesday, November 10, 2026 · 7pm – 8pm
Chicago novelist Marguerite Aldous reads from her new novel about a drowned orchard and answers your questions.
Local Authors’ Holiday Signing
Saturday, December 5, 2026 · 12pm – 4pm
Eight Washtenaw County authors sign their books and say hello, from poetry to mysteries to a field guide.
Book club
The third Thursday of every month at 7 in the Back Room, with Theo leading and cookies on the table. Read the book (or most of it) and bring an opinion.
Book Club: Nine Lamps on Packard Street
Thursday, November 19, 2026 · 7pm – 8:30pm
Our monthly book club reads Anil Raman’s Nine Lamps on Packard Street, and Anil joins us for the last half hour.
Book Club: The Orchard Under the Lake
Thursday, December 17, 2026 · 7pm – 8:30pm
December’s book club reads Marguerite Aldous’s The Orchard Under the Lake.
Story time
Every Saturday at 10:30 with Marisol, plus a pajama night now and then. For ages 2 to 7 and anyone who comes with them.
Costume Story Time
Saturday, October 31, 2026 · 10:30am – 11:15am
Come in costume for three not-too-scary picture books. Everyone in costume gets a free bookmark.
Saturday Story Time
Every Saturday · 10:30am – 11:15am · Not on Dec 26
Picture books, songs and a rug, every Saturday morning with Marisol. Ages 2 to 7, and everyone is welcome.
Pajama Story Time
Friday, November 13, 2026 · 6:30pm – 7:15pm
A cozy evening story time in pajamas, with sleepy books and a flashlight.
In the shop
Sales, late nights and other reasons to come in.
Small Business Saturday
Saturday, November 28, 2026 · 10am – 9pm
Fifteen percent off used books, free gift wrapping all day, and warm cider from 11.
Late Night Gift Wrapping
Thursday, December 10, 2026 · 5pm – 9pm
We stay open until 9 with paper, ribbon and a wrapping table. Wrap your own or we’ll do it, free.
Event questions
Do I need to sign up for an event?
No. Every event is free and drop-in. We set out about 40 chairs, and for the bigger readings it’s a good idea to come a little early. Authors sign books after the reading.
Can I get a signed copy if I can’t come?
Often, yes. Order the book online and write “signed” in the note at checkout, and we’ll ask the author to sign yours at the event. Call or email us if you want a book inscribed to someone.
How do I join the book club?
Just come. The club meets the third Thursday of each month at 7 pm in the Back Room, it’s free and there’s no list to join. Read the book (or most of it) and bring an opinion. Club members get 10 percent off the month’s pick.
Want an author at the shop?
Writers and publishers can send us a note. We read everything, and we love a local author.