On Saturday, May 2, bookstores across the country will be having parties to celebrate independent bookstores. Pages Bookshop will celebrate its grand opening in conjunction starting at 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. with author readings, book giveaways, introduction of Blind Date with Books, music, food, and drinks.
Susan Murphy, Pages Bookshop co-owner, has centered her life around books. From that center, and because of the difference reading has made in her life, she lives in confidence that books and reading can exceptionally change other’s lives for the better, too.
“Creating a bookstore that is part of the neighborhood I’m in and a wider Detroit audience means providing opportunities for people to come in and talk about the stories and ideas within books,” said Murphy.
This is at the heart of Pages Bookshop, but she also plans on hosting events to connect readers with authors, panel discussions, book clubs, and more. Detroit’s scarcity of bookstores inspired her to open.
“[I wanted to] let children see books everyday and get families reading together. Books made a difference in my life, and I want to share that with others,” she said.
At 11 a.m., Renee Prewitt will read to children and sign copies of her book, Malcolm Mows the Lawn, along with three other author readings.
Unique items, available only at independent bookstores, will be available from Roxanne Gay, Dave Pilkey (Captain Underpants), David McCandless, Candlewick Press, and a Literary Map of the Seas.
The day starts with free mimosas and ends with hor d’oeuvres, wine, and music from Luther “Badman” Keith’s blues band beginning at 7 p.m.
Pages Bookshop is in the North Rosedale Park neighborhood on Grand River between Outer Drive and Evergreen at 19560 Grand River, Detroit 48223.