The Diary - April 19

L, the electrician, finished his work and shared his thoughts on “Everything is Tuberculosis” by John Green, a copy of which is prominently displayed on the “Current Interest” table.  B, who has lived downtown for decades and had heard about the store, dropped in to check it out for herself and her friends.  She also told me about growing up on the banks of the Illinois River which regularly rose and flooded her home.  Z, coffee in hand, plopped into the armchair and critiqued the medical establishment before heading to work.

This week, the Reading Room began to welcome new friends and neighbors as I prepped for its opening on April 22.  In addition to these folks, Greg and Dan from their eponymous WMBD show came to see the store.  The next day, I joined them on the radio for a fun conversation and a bit of promotion.  City officials visited the store and pronounced it had passed its inspection.  I also had a conversation with representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, who generously offered to coordinate a ribbon cutting for the store later this spring.

Yes, the point of a bookstore is to sell books.  But I also hope that this week was a foretaste of the community that River City Reading Room will foster.  The store’s doors officially open this Wednesday, April 22nd at 10 am.  Please pop in, say hello, browse, and enjoy a small treat.  I look forward to seeing you!

PS—This past week I have been reading “The Tortoise’s Tale” by Kendra Coulter. I will have a synopsis in the Staff Picks section of the website (rivercityreadingroom.com) shortly.