Haunting of the Oxford Library Book Signing with Robert Racicot
2023-08-19 11:00 - 13:00 UTC | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Do you believe in ghosts? The Library Rats: a small group of middle school students who regularly meet at the Oxford Library never thought about that question until they witness a strange sighting. The Rats begin the hunt to find evidence of the possibility that the library could be haunted by a real ghost.
Robert Racicot is a retired Air Force Lt Col and Professor of Chemistry. He is enjoying his retirement years hiking, mountain biking, and writing stories, and poetry. He is the author of the young reader book The Legend of Carbuncle Pond.

Celebrating Women in Fiction: Book Signing Event
2023-08-26 11:30 - 13:00
Jean Grant, Janet Raye Stevens, and Sharon Yang love to write about strong, intelligent women. Whether in warring medieval Scotland, intrigue and adversity-filled WWII home fronts, conflicted modern life, or even ranging across time itself, their heroines face their fears and doubts to overcome adversity with intelligence, integrity, courage, and humor.

Authors will give a brief introduction, do a reading, and then will open it up to audience questions, followed by a book signing.
The event is free. Signed copies of various titles will be available for purchase.

Evening Book Group
2023-08-30 17:30 - 19:00
Join us as we discuss Meet Me At the Lake by Carley Fortune.
A random connection sends two strangers on a daylong adventure where they make a promise one keeps and the other breaks, with life-changing effects, in this breathtaking new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After.
All book group picks receive a 10% discount in store or online.
Let us know if you’re coming by emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com or calling 508-949-6232.

"Walking About Webster" Photo Exhibit
2023-09-01 - 2023-09-30
For the month of September, we are happy to be hosting a photo exhibit by William “Bil” Gardiner entitled “Walking About Webster”. Bil walked about the town of Webster during the spring and summer of this year photographing around town looking for the parts that make up the whole in Webster.
There will be a meet the artist reception on Saturday, September 9th, from 2-4 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.
In addition to viewing the show, a contest will be held to try to guess the location of each of the photographs in the exhibit, which were all taken somewhere in Webster. The person that accurately guesses the most locations will win one of the featured 12×12 inch photographs of their choice.
Viewing hours of the show are Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm, closed Sunday & Monday.
Please note: the store will be closed for vacation September 3rd-8th.

Artist Bio: William “Bil” Gardiner is a portrait photographer and photographic artist from Worcester, MA.
Bil has been a photographer most of his life, getting his first camera from a bubblegum type vending machine when he was around 8 years old.
From April 2012-13, he embarked on a yearlong personal assignment “A Picture a Day,” carrying his camera with him wherever he went, producing one image every day for a year. Through this body of work, a fellow artist noted that his work in this area resembled the Tibetan concept of Miksang, or “Contemplative Eye.” In this way, his work captures only segments of objects, rather than the whole, inviting the viewer to deeper contemplation.
As a result, the photographer needs to slow down and take their time while “contemplating” how to create their image, and the viewer has to take their time while trying to identify what it is they are looking at.

CLOSED FOR VACATION
2023-09-03 - 2023-09-08
We will be closed for vacation September 3rd-8th.
See you back on Saturday, September 9th!

Searching For Atticus book talk & signing with Janice Harvey
2023-09-23 14:00 - 16:00
Molly Medavoy is having a hard time remembering she’s a kid since her father Frank took off on an “extended tour of the Southwest” that never ends. Life with her mother Twig and her quirky little sister Arlene is no picnic. Twig spends most of her days exploring ways to lose weight, while Arlene lines up cold cuts on the linoleum floor. Molly digs deeper into the books she borrows from the library, looking for some answers, wondering if a dad like Atticus Finch really exists. No one pays much attention to Molly – no one but Uncle Timmy, the long-lost Medavoy who shows up on the front stoop.
It’s up to Molly to figure things out for herself as she watches the world spin, from November of 1963 until that tumultuous decade comes to an end. For Molly, the search for an Atticus of her own unearths a few secrets better left buried.
About the Author:
Since 1995, Janice Harvey has been the lead columnist for the independent newspaper Worcester Magazine, winning numerous awards for excellence in humor, and serious column writing and reporting, from the New England Better Newspaper Association. In 2012, Harvey published a collection of her favorite columns for local readers to enjoy. Harvey recently retired after 30 years in public education and lives in Massachusetts, surrounded by kids and grandkids, while working on a second novel set in her beloved city of Worcester.

Evening Book Group September
2023-09-27 17:30 - 19:00
For September, we will discuss The Night Ship by Jesse Kidd. Based on a true story, an epic historical novel from the award-winning author of Things in Jars that illuminates the lives of two characters: a girl shipwrecked on an island off Western Australia and, three hundred years later, a boy finding a home with his grandfather on the very same island.
All book club picks receive a 10% discount in-store or online.
Call us at 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com to let us know you’re coming.

SPECIAL HOURS: OPEN 10AM-3PM
2023-09-29 10:00 - 15:00
We apologize for any inconvenience, but we are closing at 3 p.m.

CLOSED TODAY
2023-09-30
We apologize for any inconvenience, but we will be closed today.

October Art Show-Self-Care Through (Imperfect) Creative Expression by Tina Brinks
2023-10-03 - 2023-10-31
We are pleased to present the October Art Show-Self-Care Through (Imperfect) Creative Expression by our very own Tina Brinks!
The show is made up of pieces using different techniques, materials and tools. The pieces express the artist’s interest at various moments in her life and making them helped her navigate her busy life. That is why the pieces are not for sale. They are made because it was enjoyable to do so and are expression of herself. The pieces are also an invitation to try out, to let go of control, to get inspired, to play, to get curious and to ask questions. She hopes the viewer will find inspiration to explore. And since she works at the bookstore, she is available for any conversation you would like to have regarding the show during regular business hours.

Tina has called Webster home since 2002 and after taking care of her family she now works part time at Booklovers’ Gourmet. This is her first art show, and it shows an overview of different tools, techniques and materials used to explore, create and play. For her, creating is first and foremost a process that connects the heart, hand and head and results in a sense of calmness and peace. Especially color, sound and movement are areas of interest. She is always learning and loves to read and hear about different artists, art styles and their creative process. These resources are very inspiring for her and have expanded her horizon in many, many ways.

She learned to knit, crochet and embroider at a young age from her mother and grandmother and was later on blessed with a very creative mother-in-law as well. She was encouraged to try out new things and enjoy the process of making.

Banned Books Week
2023-10-03 - 2023-10-07
Join us in celebrating Banned Books Week! This year’s theme is “Let Freedom Read”.

Stop in the store anytime this week during regular business hours to participate.
Pick up some free stickers, pins & bookmarks, a checklist of 2022’s most challenged books,
and get special discounts on select “banned books” including classics & more!

Human Rights Book Signing & Art Display with Thaer Abdallah
2023-10-14 14:00 - 16:00
Booklovers’ Gourmet and local Amnesty International Group #356, of Webster, MA, are co-hosting a book signing, talk and art display featuring human rights activist and artist Thaer Abdallah.
He will be signing and discussing his book Song in the Desert: My Journey from Baghdad to Boston.
Signed copies will be for sale with proceeds to benefit Amnesty International Group #356. Donations will also be accepted.
Some of his paintings will also be on display.
For more information call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Thaer Abdallah is a Palestinian artist and human rights activist who was born in Iraq and grew up in Baghdad in a one-bedroom apartment with his 12 brothers and sisters. Together they survived three wars and unbelievable challenges, culminating in the kidnapping and torture of Palestinian community members following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Thaer’s story of hope and resilience leads him from the streets of Baghdad to the empty desert, from loneliness to love, from the pain of imprisonment and torture to an impossible dream of new life in a foreign land. His example of courage and survival gives hope to all who suffer seemingly insurmountable challenges, and shines a light through the darkness of our times.
Founded in 1961, Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million people in over 150 countries and territories who campaign to end abuses of human rights. For more information about Amnesty International, please visit www.amnesty.org.

Metro West Paranormal Investigators Discussion & Demo
2023-10-28 14:00 - 16:00
Are you ready for Halloween? Join us for a ghostly good time! Our hosts are Metro West Paranormal Investigators, located in Southbridge, MA. The presentation will include a discussion of experiences and demos of devices used to record paranormal activity at various New England locales. Each attendee will receive a take home swag bag.

Please sign up to reserve your spot by calling 508-949-6232 or emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com

Ray Arnold is a paranormal investigator and president of Metro West Paranormal Investigators since 2018. He has been into the paranormal since the late 1980’s in which time he has investigated many haunted locations throughout the New England area as well as met and worked with well-known paranormal investigators. Metro West Paranormal has done many podcasts from “Mostly Ghostly” in the Boston area and “Paranormal Access and Radio” in the United Kingdom.
Pam LaRue is an I.T.C. Medium and Akashic Message Tarot Reader. She communicates with ascended spirits through electronic devices, divining rods and pendulums. She works with a Spirit Collective and records her sessions on a nightly basis. Miss LaRue was a former disc jockey for many local stations throughout the years and worked as a cable television director, producer and camera operator. She received her Associates Degree in Radio and Television Communication at the New England Institute of Technology. She is a member of the First Spiritualist Church of Willimantic, CT.

November Art Show-Of Living Things by Lisa Kretchman
2023-11-01 - 2023-11-30
Of Living Things depicts the beauty of New England flora and fauna. Life and landscape from the artist’s trip to Acadia to the garden in her back yard. All things great and small.
Lisa’s work consists of acrylics, pastels and mixed-media.
Join us for a meet the artist reception on Saturday, November 18th, from 11 am-12:30 pm. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public.
About the Artist
Lisa Kretchman is a mixed-media artist residing in Dudley, MA. Lisa started out as a traditional illustrator using soft pastel and scratchboard. While attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design, she studied illustration and was introduced to digital painting software. Blending those skills, she worked for over 15 years as a digital media artist and animator. She eventually returned to her traditional artistic roots to create more meaningful and personal artwork, inspired by nature and spirituality.
To see more of the artist’s paintings and process visit: lisakretchman.wordpress.com/fine-art/

"Dining with War" Poetry Reading & Book Signing Event with Karen Warinsky
2023-11-04 13:00 - 15:00
Karen Warinsky centers her work on mid-life and relationship issues, politics, and the search for spiritual connection through nature. Her poetry takes a hard look at the world around us with doses of humor and irony.
Warinsky, retired from careers in media and teaching, is a former finalist of the Montreal International Poetry Contest for her poem “Legacy,” which was published with other top entries in an anthology by Véhicule Press in 2013. She is a 2023 Best of the Net nominee.
Her debut collection, Gold in Autumn, was released in 2020 followed by Sunrise Ruby (2022) (both from Human Error Publishing) and her chapbook Dining with War came out this year (Alien Buddha Press). . She currently organizes poetry readings in CT and MA as coordinator of Poets at Large. This fall she is the MC of a spoken word series at The Vanilla Bean Café in Pomfret, CT which is held the last Saturday evening of the month.
Other work includes a short story about her grandmother featured in Dear Nana, (Pegasus Books), two poems in the 2017 anthology Nuclear Impact: Broken Atoms in Our Hands, work in editions of Blue Heron (2018 and 2021), and in 2017 and 2018 editions of Light; a Journal of Photography and Poetry. Warinsky is also published in the 2019 Mizmor Anthology, Deep Wild Journal, Honoring Nature, Circumference (Fall 2021) and Consilience, (Spring, 2022), among other publications and online sites.
The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies of her selected books will be available for purchase.
A native of Illinois, Warinsky lived in North Dakota, Washington State, and Japan before landing in her current base of Connecticut. She holds a BS in Journalism from Northern Illinois University and received her Master of English degree from Fitchburg State University. Visit her website: karenwarinskypoetry.wordpress.com or find her on Facebook through Poets at Large.

Artist Reception for Of Living Things by Lisa Kretchman
2023-11-18 11:00 - 12:30
Maine, pastel by Lisa Kretchman
Come meet and chat with the artist while viewing the work of this month’s featured exhibit in our cafe gallery.
“Of Living Things”, pastels, acrylics and mixed-media works by Lisa Kretchman.
Light refreshments will be served.

The Maenad’s God-Author Talk with Karen Michalson
2023-11-18 14:00 - 16:00
Boston 1992. Alienated FBI agent Pete Morrow discovers a murder and becomes obsessed with Jade McClellan, a mysterious mafia-backed rock musician. Tough-guy Morrow has never been in love before—but Jade is almost magical, creating a private imaginary world from his songs and stories that rapidly become the only thing Morrow values in his otherwise empty life. Unfortunately, Morrow is investigating the mafia family that is investing in Jade’s musical career. Being open about their relationship could get both of them killed. Chosen by Independent Book Review as one of the best books of 2022. Recipient of The Historical Fiction Company’s Highly Recommended Award of Excellence.
Alienation. Myth. Music. Law. Madness. Death. Divinity.
After all, the universe must balance, no matter who gets destroyed in the process.
“An engaging, snaking, and spirit-tinged murder tale about obsession and control.” – Kirkus Reviews
Karen Michalson has assumed many identities – criminal defense attorney, scholar and teacher of nineteenth-century British literature, and rock musician. All her experiences find a home in her writings as an award-winning, critically acclaimed author. She has written four novels, including The Maenad’s God, which was selected by Independent Book Review as one of the best novels of 2022 and by IndieReader as one of the Best Reviewed Books of March 2023. It also received a 5-Star Highly Recommended Award of Excellence from The Historical Fiction Company, and a Literary Titan Gold Book Award (2022).
Her books have been favorably reviewed by Clarion Foreword, Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Independent Book Review, Literary Titan, Blue Ink Review, and numerous others. Michalson practiced criminal law for a decade. She left the law profession a little over four years ago to return to her novel-writing career full time.
She lives in New England. Official website: http://www.karenmichalson.com.

Plaid Friday & Small Business Saturday Celebration!
2023-11-24 - 2023-11-25
Shop Small and get BIG Rewards this holiday season!
Get in on the fun, grab some unique gifts and deals!
Save on journals, calendars, jigsaw puzzles, boxed cards, ornaments & more!!
15% OFF Holiday Gift Books in featured catalog!
Chance to win great raffle prizes too!

Jig Gets Lost-Children's Author Signing
2023-11-25 14:00 - 16:00
Join us on Small Business Saturday as we welcome children’s author Julia Kneeland and her book Jig Gets Lost.
Jig Gets Lost is a story about a dog who lives in the city and decides to go on an adventure. He follows the delicious smells from the street vendors. He meets a boy who gives him a treat! But when he looks around to go back home, he cannot find his way. Read on to find out how Jig gets back!
Perfect for 4-8 year olds or anyone who loves dogs!
The event is free and signed, personalized copies will be available for purchase.

Evening Book Group November
2023-11-29 17:30 - 19:00
Join us for the last book group meeting of the year! We will be discussing the novel Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra.
The epic story of a brilliant woman who must reinvent herself to survive in 1940s Hollywood and fascist Europe, a timeless tale of love, deceit, and sacrifice–and a perfect book club pick–from the award-winning author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena.
Purchase the book in store for a 10% discount or ONLINE!
Please let us know if you are coming by calling 508-949-6232 or emailing deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

December Nature & Wildlife Photography Exhibit by Janet McDonald
2023-12-01 - 2023-12-30
Nature & Wildlife Photography by Janet L. McDonald will be on display and for sale from December 1st -30th in the cafe gallery during regular business hours.
A meet the artist reception will take place on Saturday, December 9th from 1-3 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm.
Special Holiday Hours: Sundays, Dec. 3rd, 10th & 17th 12-4pm, Mondays Dec. 4th, 11th & 18th 10am-5pm. Dec. 24th 10am-2pm, Closed Dec. 25th.

Janet L. McDonald Statement:
I often find wonder and beauty in the world around me. Whether I’m walking through the woods or even spending time in my own neighborhood, I always see magic in the ordinary. I am compelled to capture those scenes through my eyes so I can not only relive the joy I felt in that moment but share these portraits into my perspective and experience with others.
Bio:
Janet McDonald is an artist, a creator, and nature lover. She received a BFA from UMass Dartmouth and later earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Eastern Connecticut State University. Janet worked for over a decade as a textile graphic designer before pursuing a completely different creative outlet as a Pre-K teacher. Now in retirement, Janet walks dogs, pet sits and enjoys taking pictures while canoeing or hiking with her partner Tom.
Janet’s photography has been exhibited at the Sprinkler Factory Gallery, The Vanilla Bean Café, The Rose Room, Booklovers’ Gourmet, Attleboro Art Museum, the Sherill Library in Cambridge as well as many other libraries in the Northeast. The Brookside Chalet holds a permanent display of Janet’s photographs, inspiring visitors to explore the beauty, history and serenity of the Quiet Corner of Connecticut whether it be a whimsical look into the Thompson Dam or a striking view of Cargill Falls.
For more information on Janet and her work, visit her Instagram accounts
@janetmcdonaldphotography or @frenchcatdrawings

Random Thoughts from a Curmudgeon-Book Signing & Open Mic
2023-12-02 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for an amusing afternoon with Worcester humorist/poet Joe Fusco, Jr and his latest release.
Joe is the author of four other books of poems and essays.
An open mic poetry reading will also take place. To sign up, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com

Holiday Hours
2023-12-03 12:00 - 16:00, 2023-12-17 12:00 - 16:00
For your shopping convenience, we are open 12-4 p.m. on the following Sundays in December:
December 3rd, 10th & 17th

Holiday Hours
2023-12-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2023-12-11 10:00 - 17:00, 2023-12-18 10:00 - 17:00
For your shopping convenience, we are open 12-4 p.m. on the following Mondays in December:
December 4th, 11th & 18th

Holiday Shop Hop!
2023-12-10 12:00 - 16:00
Join in the holiday spirit as 20 local businesses offer special deals, treats, samples and a fun shopping experience! See listing at left.
Visit 5 or more on the list and with each purchase get a stamp to enter into a raffle to win over $350 in gift cards!!
SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Holiday Hours
2023-12-24 10:00 - 14:00
We will be open 10am-2pm on Christmas Eve.
Closed December 25th
Open regular hours Dec. 26th-30th

CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY
2023-12-25
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
