Hey you, cool person. You talk a mean game: buying local produce, supporting local music, shopping and eating at mom-and-pops. I’m going to take a wild guess and assume you also like to read. You look pretty smart. Smart people read books.
I’m curious, where do you buy your books? Amazon? Big box store? Pish posh.
Those are fine places if you’re looking for mass-market reading, but you’re most likely not going to find local authors, at least not easily. You’ll have to know what you are looking for in advance.
Orlando has a vibrant literary scene, with regular and long-running open-mic nights such as Speakeasy as well as several small press publishers lurking about. If you work it, you can find a literary event going on here almost every day.
And those events are key for Orlando authors and publishers seeking to connect with readers. However, not everyone can make it out as they may have jobs, families, or other annoying responsibilities.
Enter Bookmark It, a relatively new brick-and-mortar bookseller that is focused on promoting local authors. It also sells books that encourage the support and growth of the local food economy.
Whether you are a resident book lover or just visiting, you’ll be sure to find something interesting to take home. Besides selling books, Bookmark It regularly hosts events such as book clubs, workshops, and their local author book fair series, Locally Grown Words. The next one is this Sunday, May 18th, from 12pm-4pm.
You’ll find tables lining the halls and over 40 authors and publishers, including Burrows Press, Beating Windward Press, and the Shady Lane/Kerouac Project. There will be plenty of books to browse and buy. The event is free to the public.
It’s early in the life of this daring new business. Owner Kim Britt has a long-reaching plan for it, but as a community, it’s important for us to come out and support it, so get on over there. And if you feel like reading something a bit off-the-wall, ask Kim for a copy of my book. She’s got it on the shelf and it’s waiting for you.
Bookmark It
3201 Corrine Drive, Suite 201
Orlando, FL 32803
Upstairs in the East End Market
Hours:
Tue – Sat: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sun: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Locally Grown Words
Sunday, May 18th
12-4pm
40+ Local authors and publishers
Free