Vermont Public Radio will be hosting four Vermont poets for a (virtual) evening of poetry.

Join host, Mitch Wertlieb, on Friday, April 24 at 6:00 p.m. when he’ll interview poets Didi Jackson, Major Jackson, Kerrin McCadden, and Elizabeth Powell about their work. You can tune-in for the live stream via Facebook by registering ahead of time for this event. Visit the Vermont Public Radio website for more information.

Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vermont (also located in Saratoga Springs, NY) will be hosting weekly virtual events using ZOOM. These password-protected live meet-ups will be hosted by event managers Rachel Person and Dafydd Wood, every Thursday at 5pm. A different author will speak each week and participants will have the chance to interact with the authors and each other. Visit the Northshire Bookstore website for details.

Still North Books & Bar and Literary North will be having their very first virtual Open-Mic, this Sunday April 26th from 4 – 5:30 pm, also using ZOOM.

Featured poets include April Ossmann, Laura Jean Binkley, Vievee Francis, Kristin Maffei, and Rena J. Mosteirin.

To participate as either a reader or a listener, you’ll need to visit the Literary North website to pre-register. The first 15 to sign up will be guaranteed a place in the line-up. Be prepared to read one, (non-epic length) poem.

Gibson’s Bookstore in Hanover, New Hampshire will be hosting a virtual event on Wednesday, April 29th at 6pm EST. The bookstore will be posting a link to a special video reading given by Maine author, Wesley McNair. The video was created by the author especially for Gibson’s (rural and unreliable Internet service prohibits using ZOOM for a live reading).

His latest book, Dwellers in the House of the Lord, is a book-length poem:

“Wesley McNair, one of today's finest storytellers in poetry or prose, attests to patience and perseverance, and an unwavering belief in compassion and reconciliation, even amidst the ugly politics of our time.”

Questions can be submitted for Wesley ahead of the event via Gibson’s website.

The Norwich Bookstore in Vermont Offering Book Order Pick Ups© The Norwich Bookstore — *The Norwich Bookstore in Vermont Offering Book Order Pick Ups*
© The Norwich Bookstore

COVID-19 has disrupted just about everything and adjusting to a new normal has been challenging for everyone. Some independent bookstores have come up with creative ways to stay in business during these “difficult times,” although their hours of operation may be limited.

Across New England, some stores are able to continue business via mail order and leaving their local customer purchases outside their door for pick-up. And some can deliver to their local customers. An online presence and the ability of staff to locate books for their customers has kept things moving.

Owl & Turtle in Camden, ME offer book home delivery service, media mail shipping, and curbside pick-up, waiving fees wherever possible.© Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe — *Owl & Turtle in Camden, ME offer book home delivery service, media mail shipping, and curbside pick-up, waiving fees wherever possible.*
© Owl & Turtle Bookshop Cafe

Until social distancing has been lifted in our communities, make use of your local bookstore’s website (and Indiebound.org) to place book orders. Be sure to check your bookstore’s website or Facebook page for their updates before calling.

Annual Newburyport Literary Festivalstreaming live on April 25th and May 3rd — *Annual Newburyport Literary Festival*
*streaming live on April 25th and May 3rd*

With the situation changing daily, author events and other social gatherings have been cancelled, but some authors and writing teachers are holding their events virtually. The Annual Newburyport Literary Festival will be held via the Internet, streaming live on April 25th and May 3rd.

To be sure your local bookstore will still be in business once usual operating hours return, please consider purchasing a store gift certificate or making a donation to a shop that is struggling.

*award-winning, woman-owned independent bookstore, located in Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA*

One local store in need of funding right now is the award-winning, woman-owned independent bookstore located in the Boston, MA neighborhood of Jamaica Plain – Papercuts JP.

Kate Layte opened Papercuts in 2014 after a decade working in the book industry. Her shop also publishes under their house imprint, Cutlass Press. The recent expansion of the store combined with the pandemic threatens their ability to remain open. Check them out online.

Continue to practice safe social distancing, wear a mask, and wash hands frequently!