Meet & Greet with Ray Arnold of Metro West Paranormal Investigators
2025-10-04 12:00 - 13:30 UTC | Booklovers’ Gourmet, 72 East Main St, Webster, MA, 01570, United States
Come see a hauntingly good photo exhibit throughout October by Metro West Paranormal Investigators.

The public is invited to a meet & greet with Ray Arnold, president of the group since 2018, on Saturday, October 4th, 12-1:30 p.m.

The show may be viewed during regular business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6. For more information call 508-949-6232.

Since the late 80’s, Ray Arnold has investigated numerous locations throughout New England including the Lizzy Borden House and the Conjuring House. He has also participated in a number of podcasts like “Mostly Ghostly” from the Boston area and “Paranormal Access and Radio” from the UK.

Banned Books Week
2025-10-07 - 2025-10-11
Join us in celebrating the right to read! The theme of this year’s event is Censorship Is So 1984 — Read for Your Rights.
Stop by during the week to check out our Banned Books Display with special discounts on featured titles and other fun merch like socks, pouches, stickers and totes. Pick up a Banned Books Bingo Card to win fun prizes!!
We’ll also be hosting a Silent Read-In all day on Tuesday, October 7th where all participants will get access to a Free Audiobook copy of Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books courtesy of Libro.fm. Learn what you can do to fight book bans and what the top 10 most challenged books were in 2024.
To learn more about Banned Books Week, visit bannedbooksweek.org

Book Launch for Grabtown by Sarah P. Blanchard
2025-10-15 18:00 - 19:30
Booklovers’ Gourmet invites you to a book launch with author Sarah P. Blanchard for her newest suspense novel Grabtown.
Set in an authentic New England mill town, this multi-generational thriller weaves between 1985 and today as it explores themes of family secrets, unshakable loyalty, and a mother’s courage in the face of chilling abuse. The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase.
Sarah P. Blanchard is a novelist, short story writer, and poet living in northeastern Connecticut. She taught English and communications at the University of Hawaii-Hilo and creative writing at the University of North Carolina-Asheville. Her debut novel, Drawn from Life, won several awards including a 2025 Independent Press Award for New Adult Fiction and was shortlisted for a 2024 unpublished novel award by The Letter Review. Recognized also for her short fiction, Sarah won the 1992 National League of American Pen Women’s Dorothy Daniels Fiction Award and was selected as a finalist for the 2024 Porch Prize for Fiction, and the 2021 Doris Betts Short Fiction Award.
She holds a B.A. in English from the University of Connecticut and an M.B.A. from Nichols College. Sarah’s writing of this novel has been informed by her past experience as a volunteer firefighter and a radio news reporter. She lives now in an old New England mill town that closely resembles the fictional town of Winslow, the setting for Grabtown.
For more information about the author, visit sarahpblanchard.com.

Scars to Stars, Volume 4 Book Release with Bil Gardiner
2025-10-25 13:00 - 15:00
“Scars to Stars, Volume 4,” is a collection of 13 vulnerable, personal experiences of overcoming adversity, from loss and grief to abuse, suicide and much more. The writers vulnerably share their personal, authentic stories of overcoming adversity to motivate and inspire you, wherever you might be along your own journey… so you will never again need to feel alone in your struggle.
The stories in these pages will meet the reader where they are and show them that they are not alone, inspiring and motivating them to overcome situations in their own life.
William “Bil” Gardiner, is a professional photographer by trade, who spent 10 years as a police officer in his hometown of Worcester, MA. During that time, Bil was blackballed and persecuted because he solved situations using his head, his heart and the law without bending the law or simply using brute force. As a result, Bil has been suffering from anxiety, depression and post traumatic stress disorder for over 20 years now and was forced to leave the job on a 25% personal, medical disability.

Evening Book Group October
2025-10-29 17:30 - 19:00
Join the fun in discussing Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus!
Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an average woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.
Books are available in store at a 10% discount or online at Bookshop.org HERE.
Please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com to let us know you’re coming.

Mixed Media Art Show by Lisa Onderdonk
2025-11-01 - 2025-11-29
Come see our November Art Show of Mixed Media works by Lisa Onderdonk!
The show includes pieces in watercolor, alcohol ink and more in both representational and abstract forms and may be viewed in the cafe gallery November 1st-29th during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6 pm.
You are invited to a reception with the artist in attendance on Saturday, November 8th from 2-4 p.m.
For more information, call 508-949-6232 or visit bookloversgourmet.com/events.
Artist’s Statement: Lee is a multi-media artist with a fine arts degree from Clark University in Worcester, MA. Even though Lee graduated back when dinosaurs still roamed the earth, she has never stopped growing and learning as an artist. Her never ending quest for knowledge led her to Laguna Beach, CA where she recently painted with world-renowned marine life muralist, Wyland. With praise and encouragement from Wyland, Lee decided to pursue art as a career instead of just a hobby.
Lee wants her art to appeal to a variety of tastes. She admires many styles of art and doesn’t feel the need to commit to just one style or medium. Enjoy the many faces of Lee O!

"Painting a Family" New Book Release with Mary Anne Slack
2025-11-01 14:00 - 16:00
We are pleased to be hosting a book release and signing with author Mary Anne Kalonas Slack. Her second novel, Painting a Family, features mother and daughter relationships. Her short stories have been published in Adelaide Literary Magazine and in the 2013, 2024, and 2025 Quabbin Quills Anthologies. Her first novel, The Sacrificial Daughter, was published in 2024 by White River Press.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information or to RSVP, please call 508-949-6232.

About the book: Painting a Family tells the story of Jane, who endures a strict Catholic upbringing in the 1960s and 1970s, when good girls only leave the nest to marry and have babies. Longing to be an artist, Jane dares to follow her dreams—until she meets handsome, stalwart Tim O’Connell. They marry and have four daughters. But when her girls are nearly grown, Jane is faced with a challenge for which she is utterly unprepared.
With twists and turns along the way, the mother and daughters shield themselves with secrets and test their loyalties to one another, until the ties that bind threaten to break once and for all.

The Legend of the Oxford Pirate Book Release with Robert Racicot
2025-11-08 11:00 - 13:00
Aargh!! Join us for a high adventure book signing event with local author Robert Racicot and his latest release The Legend of the Oxford Pirate.
The event is free and open to the public. Signed copies will be available for purchase. For more information or to RSVP, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com

About the book: A storm sinks pirate Sam Bellamy’s ship off Cape Cod. A stranger carries a secret inland along the Bay Path. Centuries later a discovery is made at ancient ruins. Blending legend, local lore, and childhood adventure, this coming of age tale uncovers how mysteries of the past still haunt the forests of New England.
About the author: 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 books The Legend of Carbuncle Pond and The Haunting of the Oxford Library.

Reception with Mixed Media Artist Lisa Onderdonk
2025-11-08 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a meet and greet with mixed media artist Lisa Onderdonk.
Light refreshments will be provided. All are welcome to come browse the art and chat with the artist!
For more information or to RSVP, call 508-949-6232.

Local Amnesty International Group monthly meetup
2025-11-12 18:30 - 19:30
Interested in taking meaningful, focused action and learning more about human rights issues in our country and around the globe? Join our Local Amnesty International Group #356 monthly meetup. New members are always welcome. Call 508-949-6232 for more information, visit www.amnestyusa.org or join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/229444612021375 for updates and information about future events.

Holiday Shop Hop on Small Business Saturday!
2025-11-29 10:00 - 17:00
Celebrate the holiday season by shopping local! Treat yourself to a fun time while finding unique gifts & books for everyone on your list.
Special appearance by Santa & Mrs. Claus for storytime and photos from 11am-12:30pm!
Free hot cider & cookies while you browse!
Discounts & deals all day long!
Visit 5 or more of 26 participating local businesses for your chance to win gift cards!
Pick up your flyer at any participating business.

"The Wonders of Nature", Artwork by Deb Lifer-Piselli
2025-12-01 - 2025-12-31
Come view our featured artist of the month!
“The Wonders of Nature”, artwork by Deb Lifer-Piselli will be on view December 1st-31st in our cafe gallery during normal business hours.
The shop will be open daily through December 24th. Monday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6, Sunday 12-4.
A meet the artist reception will be held on Saturday, December 6th, 2-4 p.m. with light refreshments. Free and open to the public. For more information call 508-949-6232.
Artist’s Statement: Art, photography and writing are my passions. Many of my paintings are inspired by my photography. I am drawn to the quiet beauty and wonders of nature. Detail oriented, I gravitate towards painting animals, while my photography focuses mainly on flowers and nature. My paintings blend realism with emotion, often incorporating natural elements.
I work primarily in acrylics, with occasional pieces in oil or pastels, approaching each project with patients in precision, building many careful layers of detail, every subject slowly comes to life until its unique personality shines through.
Commissions are available, including pet portraits or a favorite animal and flower combined to make a beautiful piece of art.

Artist Reception for "The Wonders of Nature" by Deb Lifer-Piselli
2025-12-06 14:00 - 16:00
Join us for a meet and greet with artist Deb Lifer-Piselli!
Light refreshments will be served.

Special Holiday Hours-Christmas Eve
2025-12-24 10:00 - 15:00
We will be closing at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Happy Holidays!!

Closed Christmas Day
2025-12-25

Post Holiday Sale!!
2025-12-26 - 2026-01-03

Special Holiday Hours-New Year's Eve
2025-12-31
We will be closing at 3 p.m. on December 31st.
Happy New Year!!

New Year's Eve Day Party!
2025-12-31 10:00 - 15:00
We invite you to our Annual Year End Gathering on New Year’s Eve Day! Feel free to bring a snack or dish to share, or just come visit and meet up with friends to celebrate the end of 2025 and new beginnings for 2026. Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or 508-949-6232. See you there!!

Closed New Year's Day
2026-01-01

Cyanotypes by Lisa Shea
2026-01-02 - 2026-01-31
A display of original Cyanotypes by Lisa Shea will be shown in our cafe gallery for the month of January.
The show may be viewed during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10-5, Wednesday 10-6
Please note: The shop will be closed for vacation January 4th-9th
Cyanotypes are one of the original forms of photography, dating back to the 1800s. Cyanotypes are powered by the sun! By mixing together potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate – the resulting paint is light-reactive. You can then paint that liquid onto canvas, watercolor paper, t-shirts, pillowcases, and a variety of other surfaces. You can use items such as bicycle gears and ferns, but the sky’s the limit. You can cast shadows with leaves, cut-out letters, film negatives, and anything else which blocks the sun from reaching the painted surface. You can also paint abstract designs with the liquid on corrugated paper to explore light and dark. Creating cyanotypes is a lot of fun for all ages.
Come by the shop on Friday, January 23rd, from 5-7 p.m. to create your own cyanotypes. We will be using a UV Light to expose the image, which will take approximately 10-15 minutes. View the art and chat with the artist. All supplies will be provided. Snacks will be available for purchase. To RSVP, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.

Artist’s Statement
I discovered at an early age that I loved a variety of creative arenas. I photographed everything I saw. I scribbled on notepads. I folded origami out of receipts. Rides in busses and cars would become long brainstorming sessions for epic sagas.
One of my central themes is the embracing of serenity and peace. So many times precious energy is squandered on stress, guilt, or wallowing in a past which cannot be changed. The more we can find a sense of peace within us, and cultivate our energy to use in a focused manner, the more we can achieve our goals and dreams. This is valuable not only for us directly, but also for all of those around us who we wish to help and support.
Most of all, I enthusiastically strive to learn and grow every day. I am continually exploring new techniques, researching new styles, and extolling the diversity which is our world.
I actively embrace social networking and would love to talk with fellow artists and fans about the world of art. I am inspired and awed every day by what our world has to offer us.

January Used Book Sale!
2026-01-02 - 2026-01-31
STOCK UP FOR THOSE COLD WINTER NIGHTS!

Closed for Vacation
2026-01-04 - 2026-01-09
The shop will be closed for a little post-holiday R&R.
Thank you for making our season merry & bright!!

Local Amnesty International Group Monthly Meetup
2026-01-14 18:30 - 20:00
This month we are writing letters and cards for our annual “Write For Rights” campaign in honor of International Human Rights Day. For over 20 years, Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign has transformed lives by standing up for those whose human rights have been violated. Each year, we unite supporters from around the globe to advocate for those facing injustice.
Light refreshments will be served. New members are always welcome!
Call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com for more information or to RSVP.

Free Cyanotype Workshop with Lisa Shea
2026-01-23 17:00 - 19:00
Come by the shop on Friday, January 23rd, from 5-7 p.m. to create your own cyanotypes! We will be using a UV Light to expose the image, which will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
View the art and chat with the artist. All supplies will be provided. Snacks will be available for purchase.
To RSVP, please call 508-949-6232 or email deb@bookloversgourmet.com.
Cyanotypes are one of the original forms of photography, dating back to the 1800s. Cyanotypes are powered by the sun! By mixing together potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate – the resulting paint is light-reactive. You can then paint that liquid onto canvas, watercolor paper, t-shirts, pillowcases, and a variety of other surfaces. You can use items such as bicycle gears and ferns, but the sky’s the limit. You can cast shadows with leaves, cut-out letters, film negatives, and anything else which blocks the sun from reaching the painted surface. You can also paint abstract designs with the liquid on corrugated paper to explore light and dark. Creating cyanotypes is a lot of fun for all ages.

Art Drop Off for February Group Show
2026-01-29 - 2026-01-31
Bleeding Hearts, photo by Debra Horan
Booklovers’ Gourmet invites all local artists to be part of the Annual Group Art Show in February.
The theme is “HEARTS”, and is open to all mediums & styles, but must feature “hearts” either man-made or in nature, literally or figuratively.
Drop off dates are January 29th-31st between 10am-5pm in person at 72 East Main Street, Webster, MA.
There is a $10 entry fee per artist, which will go towards a People’s Choice Award to be awarded at the end of the month, decided by votes from the public. One vote per person is allowed and must be made in store during the month of February.
Space is limited to 1 piece per artist. You may submit up to 2 pieces to be considered. Acceptance of work is at the sole discretion of Booklovers’ Gourmet.
Additional details & requirements:
* Work may be in any medium including photography, watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawings, prints, collage, fabric, mixed media, etc.
*Dimensions must not exceed 20″ in any direction
* All work must be ready to hang on the wall, preferably with a wire
* A 30% commission will be taken on any sales. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the artist.
For more information, email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.

Make Your Own Valentine!
2026-01-31 13:00 - 15:00
Come by the shop to create your very own Valentine Postcard using collage elements! All materials will be provided including various papers, stamps, glue, markers and other ephemera. Guidance and helpful tips will be provided by artist Dawn Wilson. You can create up to 5 postcards that are standard size for mailing. Go vintage or contemporary, sweet or sultry!
Cost is $10 per person, payable at the door. Please RSVP to deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.

Annual Group HEART Show
2026-02-03 - 2026-02-28
Heart Chakra, Mixed Media Collage by Debra Horan
We invite all local artists to be part of the Annual Group Art Show in February.
The theme is “HEARTS”, and is open to all mediums & styles, but must feature “hearts” either man-made or in nature, literally or figuratively.

Drop off dates are January 29th-31st between 10am-5pm in person at 72 East Main Street, Webster, MA.
An artists’ reception will take place on Saturday, February 7th, 2-4 p.m. with light refreshments. Free and open to the public.
The show will be on view in the cafe gallery February 3rd-28th during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm.
There is a $10 entry fee per artist, which will go towards a People’s Choice Award to be awarded at the end of the month, decided by votes from the public. One vote per person is allowed and must be made in store during the month of February.
Space is limited to 1 piece per artist. You may submit up to 2 pieces to be considered. Acceptance of work is at the sole discretion of Booklovers’ Gourmet.

Additional details & requirements:
* Work may be in any medium including photography, watercolor, oil, acrylic, drawings, prints, collage, fabric, mixed media, etc.
*Dimensions must not exceed 20″ in any direction
* All work must be ready to hang on the wall, preferably with a wire
* A 30% commission will be taken on any sales. Pricing is at the sole discretion of the artist.

For more information, email deb@bookloversgourmet.com or call 508-949-6232.

Group HEART Show Reception
2026-02-14 14:00 - 16:00
***DUE TO THE WEATHER THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED TO FEBRUARY 14TH***
Join us to meet some of the artists in our Annual Group HEART Show!
Free and open to the public with light refreshments being served.
Viewers may vote for their favorite piece during the whole month of February. The top 3 vote-getters will win People’s Choice Awards at the end of the show. One vote per person is allowed.
The show will be on view in the cafe gallery February 3rd-28th during normal business hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Wednesday 10am-6pm.

Japanese Stab Binding Workshop
2026-02-17 18:00 - 20:00
Unleash your inner bookbinder and join artist Dawn Wilson for a hands-on journey into the elegant world of Japanese Stab Binding!
This workshop is more than just a craft class; it’s an opportunity to transform loose sheets, art scraps, and decorative papers into a stunning, hand-stitched masterpiece. Whether you’re looking to create a personalized photo album, a unique poetry journal, or a one-of-a-kind gift, you’ll master the traditional technique to create a spine that is as much a work of art as the pages within.
No experience is necessary and all premium materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and leave with a finished journal and the skills to start your own home library.
Space is limited, so grab your spot today and let’s start stitching!
Cost is $25. Reserve your spot in store or on Eventbrite.

An Evening of Music with Mark & Raianne
2026-02-21 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for a night of beautiful music with Mark & Raianne!
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased in store or on Eventbrite (ticket fees apply)

Welcome to An Evening of Music with Mark & Raianne at Booklovers’ Gourmet! Join us for a night filled with beautiful melodies and soulful tunes. Mark and Raianne will serenade you with their enchanting voices and captivating music. Sit back, relax, and let the music transport you to another world. This in-person event promises to be a memorable evening for all music lovers! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to experience live music in a cozy setting. Grab your friends and come enjoy a magical night with Mark & Raianne!
Mark & Raianne are a married couple who entertain with unmistakable vocal harmonies, poetic lyrics and down-to-earth personae. These musically talented artists have contributed over seventeen albums within their first decade and toured consistently throughout the US and Canada. These artists blend distinctive voices with rich tantalizing harmonies and a wide range of accompaniment (guitar, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, ukulele, clarinet and penny whistle) featuring original and traditional acoustic Folk/Americana songwriting. Their live performances are both musically captivating and spiritually uplifting as audiences are carefully balanced between serious songs and humorous commentary.
In addition to writing and performing, Mark and Raianne have founded the Massachusetts Walking Tour . Since 2010 the annual tour raises awareness of local greenspace throughout their home state, organizing daily public hikes and free community concerts each June. www.masswalkingtour.org
In 2024 Mark and Raianne established a board and helped form a 501(c)3 non-profit entity Blackstone Valley Music and Performing Arts Collaborative (BVMPAC) where they also serve as music educators for local community music school Blackstone Valley Music located in Uxbridge Massachusetts, leading one-on-one private lessons, yearly rock band camps for teens, a monthly community coffeehouse and open mic, a new student orchestra and community ukulele groups.
For more information on Mark and Raianne, concert dates, music, and video, please visit www.markandraianne.com. Follow them on social media @markandraianne
