The Diary - May 18

Two highlights marked the past week. One was anticipated.  I had noted the date in my agenda and planned accordingly.  The other, involving readers and a writer, was unscripted.  Both added to the joy that has marked the opening of River City Reading Room.

On May 14th, the Peoria Chamber of Commerce hosted a formal ribbon cutting for the store.  In addition to representatives of the Chamber, folks from Discover Peoria and the Downtown Development Corporation were in attendance.  WMBD covered the event as well.  Alex Carmona, city council member for District 2, helped me cut the ribbon which was followed by a confetti shower that made me feel that I had just won the Super Bowl.  I was very touched by Alex’s kind words and those of Jessica Linder Gallo of the Chamber.  I felt very welcomed into the downtown community by people who are working very hard to bring the central business district to life.  WMBD ran the story on the evening television news and produced a very nice print article too.

A few weeks ago, I had recommended “Theo of Golden” to a customer. This week, the customer mailed me a handwritten card stating that the book had profoundly touched him. He thanked me for the recommendation.  Also earlier in the month, an author reached out to promote her book, “A Visit to Moscow,” a graphic novel released by a small press that provides a personal insight into the persecution suffered by Soviet Jewry.  Intrigued, I purchased the book, quickly read it, and then displayed it.  Over the weekend, a customer picked it up and asked for my thoughts.  I recommended it.  The customer purchased  the book. I emailed the author telling her that I had sold her book to a former teacher.  The author wrote back, delighted.  I could imagine her dusting confetti from her shoulders.