In the Heights virtual book launch
2021-06-15 20:00 - 21:00 UTC | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Your ticket includes admission to this exclusive online event plus a hardcover copy of In the Heights: Finding Home ($40 retail price).

Get your ticket HERE!

About this event

Before Hamilton became a global phenomenon, before Lin-Manuel Miranda became a household name, a little show called In the Heights shook up Broadway with its hip-hop and salsa soundtrack and big, bilingual heart. In the new book In the Heights: Finding Home, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes, and Jeremy McCarter tell the story of the show’s humble beginnings, from rehearsals in a bookstore basement to the Broadway smash (and soon-to-be feature film!) that created an unbreakable community and a new kind of family for everyone involved.
Join Miranda, Hudes, and McCarter for a very special In the Heights Virtual Book Launch on Tuesday, June 15 from 8:00 to 9:00pm ET on Zoom. Sure to be an unforgettable conversation on creativity, community, and finding home, this is your chance to hear directly from the creative team behind the timeless story of how one neighborhood—Washington Heights—can speak to the world.
Please contact Booklovers’ Gourmet with any questions. We can’t wait to see you there!

"Into the Room" author event with Steven Rogers
2021-06-05 14:30 - 16:00
Meet and greet with Steven Rogers, author of Into the Room, A Contemporary Christian Novel & Book One in The Accidental Pilgrim Trilogy.
Signed copies will be available for purchase that day.
About the book:
Can a journey across the Holy Land redeem a reluctant pilgrim?
Ben Cahill’s life is an alcohol-saturated mess. After an insincere effort in a rehab facility, he is alienated from his family, out of work, and determined to continue his habit. To make matters worse, thanks to his brother, he reluctantly finds himself on a twelve-day tour of Israel, along with, as he calls them, a bunch of Holy Rollers.
As the trip progresses, Ben experiences the Holy Land’s major historical sites and is exposed to God’s word. He interacts with his fellow travelers, gradually learning about their faith and their lives. Along the way, Ben becomes embroiled in a spiritual war, reinforcing his guilt and, in turn, forcing him to recall his past actions and behaviors. He also begins a different journey, one that leads him to redemption and a place in God’s family.

Steve Rogers is an award-winning author and novelist. After attending The College of the Holy Cross, he became a Certified Public Accountant and went on to fill various roles in public accounting and private industry. When asked to describe his professional career, he uses the phrase, “fortunate beyond all reason.” It enabled him to travel extensively around the United States, visit Amsterdam, England and South America, meet famous people like Alan Alda, Howie Long, and Earl Hamner, ride in a private jet, tour a nuclear power plant, interact with members of Congress, and, incredibly, stand next to Bill Clinton as the former President shaved in a public restroom. More importantly, his corporate career created profound and enduring friendships. In addition, Steve fondly remembers his time as a fifth-grade teacher, a role he filled for three years between financially oriented gigs.
In his free time, Steve loves to fish, hike, and travel. His favorite destinations are Israel, Jordan, Costa Rica, and Italy. Having grown up in Massachusetts, he is a die-hard Boston sports fan and enjoys visiting Maine every summer to fish. Steve, a proud father of three adult children and one incredibly lucky son-in-law, is happily married to his wife of thirty-four years, Kathy. They live in Richmond, Virginia.

June Art Exhibit - "Inspired by Nature"
2021-06-01 - 2021-06-30
Paintings by Jean Walker will be on display and for sale in our cafe gallery June 1-30, 2021 during regular business hours: Tue-Sat 10-5.
A meet and greet with the artist will take place on Saturday, June 12th from 2-4 p.m.
Please RSVP to 508-949-6232 or deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
About the artist: Jean Walker is a lifelong resident of Webster, MA. Jean is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have two great children. Jean always wanted to paint and was surprised and excited that a paint studio opened in Webster in 2012. The studio was owned and operated by Cindy Smith, a great artist that has been teaching for many years. With Cindy’s great teaching skill , Jean learned quickly and soon started getting commission work for her paintings. To her surprise and delight, students in the class were buying her paintings! As time went on, she acquired her own painting style, which comes from her love of nature. Jean has also taken lessons from Pierre Theriault, an artist in Charlton MA. With Pierre, Jean took her painting skill to another level, learning many mediums such as oils, pastels, tempera and oil pastels.
For a brief video interview with the artist, go HERE.

CLOSED FOR VACATION
2021-05-11 - 2021-05-13
We will be closed for a brief vacation May 11th-13th.

Water-The Stuff of Life, Photography Show & Sale
2021-05-01 - 2021-05-29
“Sunrise Water” by Don McCallister
“Water – The Stuff of Life”, photography by Don McCallister, will be on display and for sale May 1st-29th, 2021 during regular business hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Please note: We will be closed for vacation May 11th-13th.
For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com
Watch a short interview with the artist HERE.

Artist’s Statement:
Years ago I read the book “The Immense Journey” by naturalist Loren Eisley. In it he wrote “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water”. It was also around this time that I began my own forty plus year journey as a photographer and I did not realize how often water would be a key element in my images. In reviewing my archives this past winter, the idea of building a collection based upon the theme of water took hold. Memories of some of my favorite images came back and I dug through boxes of old Kodachrome slides to find some of these pictures. Melding the old and the new resulted in dozens of candidates that I whittled down to this final collection. Looking forward and back, I hope these images inspire people to look for beauty in our natural world and in that most common of everyday things, water.

Independent Bookstore Day with Poetry Hors d’Oeuvres
2021-04-24 14:00 - 15:00
Join us as we Celebrate National Poetry Month & Independent Bookstore Day!
In person seating is now filled.
To join the event via Zoom, go HERE.
Three Worcester poets join Booklovers’ Gourmet in celebrating Independent Bookstore Day and the last weekend of National Poetry Month. Curt Curtin, Judith Ferrara and John Gaumond will each share a few small bites of poetry from their respective works and will join other patrons in festivities to honor Independent Bookstore Day.
About IBD: Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. Every store is unique and independent, and every party is different. But in addition to events and other fun stuff, there are exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day. Not before. Not after. Nowhere else.

Curt Curtin
Curt Curtin is a first generation Irish-American poet who lives in Worcester. Both his parents emigrated from County Kerry at the beginning of the 20th century, taking different routes but finding one another in Boston. Curt’s newest collection, Kerry Dancers, captures many ways that Irish settlers attempted to retain their heritage while also assimilating into American culture. The book is published by Kelsay Books which also published his first full length collection, For Art’s Sake. Curt also has three chapbooks and has won local awards for poetry including the Connecticut River Review Poetry Contest (2019) and of the Frank O’Hara Award (2010) from the Worcester County Poetry Association. He was twice named a Pushcart Prize nominee and has been a featured reader at many events in Massachusetts and also in Ireland.

Judith Ferrara
Writer and visual artist Judith Ferrara lives in Worcester, Massachusetts. Her poetry, essays and artwork have been published in three collections: Gestures of Trees (2000), A Brush with Words (2013) and The little O, the earth: Travel Journals, Art & Poems (2015), as well as in journals such as the black fly review, The Comstock Review, The Portland Review Literary Journal, GSU Review and The Worcester Review. In 2009, she began a study of poet Stanley Kunitz and continues to do research on his family and Worcester-based poems. Since 1998, her art has been shown in group and solo exhibitions. Visit www.PaletteAndPen.com to read the complete collection of Judy’s Journals, a monthly blog on the creative process.

John Gaumond
John Gaumond of Worcester is a poet, photographer and gardener, and professor emeritus at Fitchburg State University. He led a poetry writing workshop at Borders Bookstore for five years. His poetry has been published in Poets in the Galleries, The Connecticut River Review, Sahara, Worcester Magazine, The Longfellow Society Journal, The Leaflet, The Lancaster Times, The Issue, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The Worcester Telegram and The Worcester Review. He received The Jacob Knight Poetry Award in 2006. His photographs have appeared in The Worcester Review, Diner, Ballard Street Poetry Journal, The River Valley Current, The Worcester Telegram and Worcester Magazine. His photograph Flower Pots, Siena III was selected for the 2014 Art in the City program.

Independent Bookstore Day!
2021-04-24 10:00 - 17:00
Join in the celebration with exclusive merchandise, giveaways and fun…all day long!!
Here are some of the items you will find…while they last!

“Nate’s Adventures” Digital Photographs by David Niles
2021-04-01 - 2021-04-30
David Niles “Running with Pterodactyls”
Through the month of April, come view the somewhat surreal photography of David Niles at our cafe gallery. Open during regular business hours: Tue-Sat 10-5.
David Niles is a photographer, graphic designer and videographer living in Paxton, Mass. with his artist wife Jen (www.JenNilesArt.com) and his son Nathaniel. A graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, he has exhibited his photographs throughout New England and worked as a freelance photographer for news outlets, magazines and commercial clients.
Several years ago, David began photographing his son, creating playful environments that portray a child’s creative and limitless inner world. “Nathaniel walks around in a bubble of imagination,” a close friend once observed. This imagination has always been present for Nathaniel, helping him navigate the fictional and real landscapes of his life, discovering and creating new ones every day.
Watch a video interview with the artist HERE.

“It’s Never Too Late”-March Art Show
2021-03-02 - 2021-03-31
Stop in to view this month’s featured artist, on view March 2nd-31st during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
View a video interview with the artist HERE.
Hello! My name is Meg Harrison Young.
This is my first exhibit. After graduate school I worked for 25 years as an Art Therapist with mentally ill adults. In the almost decade since, I’ve been a mental health counselor. Over the years, art making was a hobby, with long stretches of time when materials lay idle and dusty.
In January 2020, my terminally- ill twin, Martha, could no longer care for herself, and so moved in with my husband and me. Soon thereafter, Covid made sheltering in place another challenge.
Martha had art school training, and over the years had exhibited her work on occasion. Making art again would become a self-therapy and an activity we could share. And then, she passed in November.
The opportunity to exhibit at Booklovers’ Gourmet seemed an excellent way to first and finally show together.

Booklovers' 26th Anniversary Festivities!!
2021-03-02 - 2021-03-06
Join us all week long in celebrating our 26th anniversary in business! It’s been a wild ride, and we are thankful for each and every one of you for your local love & support, especially during this past year. We invite you to join in the fun with daily raffles, special offers and of course cake while maintaining all safety protocols. Come in at your convenience anytime during our regular business hours, 10am-5pm, Tuesday, March 2nd-Saturday, March 6th. See you there!!

“New Hope” - February Group Art Show & Sale
2021-02-02 - 2021-02-27
“Le Coeur” photograph by John Gaumond
Following our annual tradition, this month’s art display features works by 16 local artists on view and for sale February 2-27, 2021. All pieces represent the artist’s interpretation of “hope” and includes photography, acrylic, watercolor, collage and mixed media. The show may be viewed during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.

Virtual Event-Meet Winners from Writers of the Future Vol. 36
2021-01-26 18:00 - 19:00
You are invited to join us for another FREE Zoom virtual event!
Here is your chance to chat with several winning authors and illustrators from the latest edition of Writers of the Future, the best sci-fi and fantasy of tomorrow selected by masters of today. Guests include writers Chris Winspear of Australia, Storm Humbert of Michigan, Leah Ning of Virginia and illustrator Arthur Bowling of Maryland.
Books are available for purchase and will include signed book plates.
To register, go HERE.
To pre-order the book, go HERE.

January Art Show-"Sentinels and Sirens"
2021-01-06 - 2021-01-30
Bass Harbor Lighthouse, Maine
We are happy to announce this month’s art show – Sentinels and Sirens, acrylic paintings of lighthouses and portraits by Jim R. Wilton, on display and for sale January 6th-30th during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5. Call 508-949-6232 for more information.
For a brief video interview with the artist, go HERE.
Artist’s Statement:
I do acrylic painting of people as well as seascapes and lighthouses. Originally educated and raised in the Webster area, I’ve been in South​hbridge area since 1979 where I married then brought up my son​s. ​I started taking photographs and had a few in shows in New London CT in 200​8, even having some published and sold. ​About 4 years ago, after becoming a fan of lighthouses, I met Polly Seip, artist from Uncasville who painted from one of my photos which in turn inspired me to try to ​paint lighthouses. Having been a portrait artist, I needed to learn. I’ve since sold several around the country, being inspired from rides and boat trips​ and visits to some mostly ​in New England. I even donated a few to lighthouses to help them raise money for supporting ​them ​and had one put in a museum.

CLOSED FOR HOLIDAY
2021-01-01 - 2021-01-04

CLOSED
2020-12-27

CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAY
2020-12-25
We will be closed Christmas Day.

"What Unites Us" Discussion with Dan Rather
2020-12-02 19:00 - 20:00
Join Dan Rather for an online discussion on his book What Unites Us: Reflections on Patriotism and the importance of indie bookstores!
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dan-rather-what-unites-us-tickets-129594840657
Buy the book here: https://bookshop.org/a/296/9781616209940

December Photo Show & Sale-Dreamy Landscapes
2020-12-01 - 2020-12-31
Stop in during the month of December to take a look at “Dreamy Landscapes”, photography by Michael Belinski. These amazing photos will be on display and for sale through December 31st.
The show consists of landscape and cityscape images that bring the viewer into the scene to experience the surreal moments that were captured in Michael’s images. Work may be viewed in person following all safety protocols during regular business hours: Monday 10-4, Tuesday-Wednesday 10-5, Thursday & Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5.
Call 508-949-6232 for more information. Visit www.mabproduction.com to view more of his work online.
For a brief video interview with the author, go HERE.
Artist’s Bio: Michael Belinski, of Thompson, CT, studied abroad in London, England in the fall of 2014. There, he picked up his first camera and captured the scenes around him while experiencing this new culture and atmosphere. Since then, he has continued to refine his artwork and explore new areas of the world to bring right to the viewer’s home.

Closed for Holiday
2020-11-26
Have a safe & happy Thanksgiving!

November Art Exhibit-Finding the Beauty in Nature
2020-11-03 - 2020-11-29
Flight School by Anne Tisdell
Come by to see this month’s featured art in our cafe gallery! Watercolor & acrylic paintings by local artist Anne M. Tisdell will be on display and for sale November 3rd-28th during regular business hours, Tuesday-Saturday 10-5.
Give the gift of original art this season! Thank you for supporting local artists during these trying times!

For a brief video interview with the artist go HERE.
Artist’s statement: I have dabbled in art all my life with sketching and drawing. I grew up in Swampscott, MA., an oceanside community north of Boston. Professionally, I have worked as an RN and a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner for 45 years. I had a few courses in art as a teen & took 2 courses at Montserrat School of Art in Beverly, MA in pastels and watercolors with artist/teacher, Mimi Johnson. Retiring in 2016, I have had the time to pursue my interests in art, music and dance. Artist, Elaine Griffith teaches classes at Holden Senior Center in acrylic painting which I started in October 2017. Since then, I have exhibited in various places in Central MA. I started Art Classes with Bill Griffiths at the Worcester Art Museum in 2018, which brought me to a new level as an artist. He has taught in all mediums and students work in the medium of their choosing. I have exhibited at the Museum’s Adult Student Art Exhibit and at Arts Worcester. In 2018, I started watercolor classes with Charlie Gray in Rutland, MA., a local well-known artist who has been instrumental in improving my watercolor technique. I am also a musician and singer & have sung in choruses and churches in Greater Boston. I studied voice with the late Pauline Maher of Lynn, MA.
The Pandemic in 2020 cut into my exhibition time. My exhibit at the Booklovers Gourmet is my first of 2020. I hope you enjoy this sampling of my work!

Meet Thea Fielding-Lowe, author of children’s book A Place for You
2020-10-17 13:00 - 15:00
***Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks are required. If you plan to attend any of our events, please let us know by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232. Signed copies may also be reserved for later pickup or shipping.***
Little bunny is so excited about helping his mom with the chores. He knows that at the end of the day, he will get a special treat! As soon as little bunny starts his day of chores, everything goes wrong. Oh no, little bunny! Unhappy with all the mistakes that he made, he plans on leaving his house. His family shows him love. They tell him that no matter the number of trophies he receives or mistakes he has made, they will always love him. He will have a place in their hearts.
Thea Fielding-Lowe is a small business owner of T.Fielding-Lowe Media Company, LLC in Pascoag, Rhode Island. Her company provides services in the form of book publishing, television streaming and media production. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University College of Business with a bachelors degree in marketing with a concentration in marketing communications.

Meet Helen Baskerville-Dukes, author of Therapy Fix
2020-10-10 13:00 - 15:00
***Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks are required. If you plan to attend any of our events, please let us know by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232. Signed copies may also be reserved for later pickup or shipping.***
Therapy Fix is a sensual and sexy romance novel by Helen Baskerville-Dukes. She combines the hardship of growing up in an abusive home and violent adult relationships with healing hope leading to ultimate love match in her therapist.
Helen Baskerville-Dukes a native of Providence where she lives with her husband Tyrone and her daughter, Imani.
Helen is the Owner and Artistic Director of IBG Productions, a Christian Performing Arts & Film Production company in the City of Providence. Helen is an experienced playwright producing over 15 plays, a creator of a scripted web series, a talk show and an emerging filmmaker.

CLOSED FOR VACATION
2020-10-06 - 2020-10-08
We are taking a little break before this year is through to try to end on a high note and get ready for a busy upcoming holiday season. We so appreciate your support in what has proven to be a much more challenging year than anyone had planned for, not even counting our major relocation. You will find some very special unique new items making their way onto our shelves along with a wide selection of new & used books of course!!

Meet Diana Garlington, author of She Wasn't the One
2020-10-03 13:00 - 15:00
***Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. Masks are required. If you plan to attend any of our events, please let us know by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232. Signed copies may also be reserved for later pickup or shipping.***
Diana Garlington tells her tragic story of losing a child to gun violence. Thanksgiving Day was filled with a lot of love, laughter and eating delicious food with the family. The following day, November 26th, 2011, would be the very opposite. This day would leave Diana’s family and friends heart broken and devastated.
Diana Garlington is an author and community activist. She stepped into her role as an activist when her daughter Essence was murdered at the age of 21. Her murderer was never brought to justice. Through her death, Diana has worked tirelessly to educate the public on gang violence and gun control. Every year, Diana hosts Lock Arms for Peace, a peace rally to bring awareness of unsolved murders in the City of Providence. In addition, Diana works to empower youth specifically girls to make good decisions. Her work through the Essence T. Christal Memorial Foundation allows her to mentor girls and honor her daughter, Essence.
Diana sits on a number of community boards which includes; Moms Demand Action State Survivor Membership, Lead Survivor Fellow, RI Coalition Against Gun Violence Board Member, One Gun Gone Board Member, and RI Juvenile Hearing Board.

October Art Show-Mandala Magic by Marie Ginga
2020-10-01 - 2020-10-31
Mandala, Mixed Media 2020
This month’s featured local artist is Marie Ginga. In addition to dabbling in visual artwork, Marie is also an author with several of her novels available in the Local Author section at our store!
Marie Ginga has been drawing and crafting in mixed media in her spare time for 30 years. Now that she’s semi-retired she enjoys it even more.
Mandalas have been an ongoing theme over the years. Lately she’s been working with them in pencil, altering their shape and playing with some variations.

Abandoned Massachusetts author talk & signing
2020-09-19 13:00 - 15:00
Meet and greet with David Whitemyer, author of the new book Abandoned Massachusetts: Lost Treasures of the Bay State. Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com for more information or to RSVP attendance. Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
About the book:
From the Mayflower Pilgrims and the founding of Plymouth Colony to the high-tech firms and medical institutions surrounding Boston today, the last 400 years in Massachusetts has seen growth, prosperity, war, innovation, and decline. Textiles, shoemaking, fishing, and transportation engineering brought riches to cities and small towns. Echoing the pulse of America, the only constant has been change. Many of the factories, theaters, churches, and schools constructed during Massachusetts’ heyday have succumbed to the elements or were destroyed by development. Abandoned Massachusetts gives readers a glimpse into these once-thriving, now-forsaken buildings. Follow photographer David Whitemyer as he steps back in time to an ornate theater that opened on the same day the Titanic sank, to a factory that remained active from the Civil War through 2014, to America’s oldest publicly funded institution for people with developmental disabilities, and to dozens of other fascinating structures around the state. Few of these architectural treasures will ever be restored, and most are gone forever.

"Only the Lucky Grow Old" author talk and signing
2020-09-12 14:00 - 16:00
Meet and greet with Kristine Fontaine, author of Only the Lucky Grow Old.
Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com for more information or to RSVP attendance. Space is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Everyone who attends and makes a donation to the Webster Dudley Food Share will have a chance to win a special gift basket!
The main premise of the book are interviews with 22 people over age 90, talking with them about the lives they have lived and sharing their stories. The book is written with meaning, heart and sincerity. The book is meant to make you think and reflect, but also to provide, hopefully, a sense of peace and appreciation.

September Art Exhibit – We Shall Overcome, Artwork by John and Pam Redick
2020-09-03 - 2020-09-30
Shoreline by John Redick
To view a video interview with the artists go HERE.
2020 has been a year of challenges. We have all had to fight and avoid the Corona Virus and contend with the consequences of doing so, respond to systemic racism and face the election of our lives in which it seems everyone feels that if the other side wins it will be the end of our democracy.
We have both had paintings in shows this year that were impossible to see because they were in lockdown and Pam had to adapt to more visual problems. In response to these changing times we hope that this show will take place, that art is still a good way to react to the events of the day and that we shall overcome all of this someday.
SPECIAL LOCAL BUSINESS & PANDEMIC SALE!! 20% OFF THIS SHOW ONLY!!
Enchanted Web by Pam Redick

Outdoor Poetry Reading
2020-08-20 18:30 - 20:00
Join us as four regional poets present their work outside our new location, 72 East Main Street in Webster, to maintain social distancing. This event is free and the audience should bring their own chair. Refreshments will be available at the café and there will be an “open mic” slot after the intermission as time allows. To sign up, call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Featured will be National Beat Poet Laureate for 2020, Paul Richmond. Richmond was Beat Poet Laureate for Massachusetts during 2017-2019, and he is a member of the political funkadelic band “Do It Now.” Candace Curran, twice named as Western Massachusetts Poets’ Seat Laureate, will also read, as will published author/poets Robert Eugene Perry of Dudley, and Woodstock resident Karen Warinsky. Warinsky was a finalist in the 2013 Montreal International Poetry Contest. Perry’s new book is titled “Surrendering to the Path,” and Warinsky’s is “Gold in Autumn.” Both are available at Booklovers’ Gourmet and signed copies will be available that evening.

Topics will include mid-life, nature, spirituality, politics and the humorous side of life. Richmond, Warinsky and Perry are all published authors through Human Error Publishing, and Ms. Curran is represented by Haley’s of Athol, MA.

Annual Sunflower Show
2020-08-04 - 2020-08-29
We are excited to announce the Annual Sunflower Show featuring artists from The Blackstone Valley Art Association! You will see the sunflower in all its glory represented in photographs, watercolors, oil, acrylic and more. Brighten your day by stopping in for a peek!
Viewing hours are Tuesday-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 10-4.
