Fans and humidifiers dry out Longfellow Books. MPBN photo.

On Sunday, March 10th, the Peaks Island community of authors, readers, and unabashed bibliophiles will gather to raise funds to benefit their beloved, award-winning independent bookstore, Longfellow Books. As most people know, “Nemo, the Blizzard of 2013” delivered a destructive blow to the Longfellow Square-based bookstore, requiring it to close temporarily and undergo considerable repairs from damage incurred by severe flooding. Approximately half of the stock was damaged, and insurance will only partially cover the losses – you’re not surprised, I know.

Well, islanders aren’t afraid of rising waters and they’re prone to band together to make important things happen. Author Eleanor Morse is organizing a reading and silent auction to benefit Longfellow Books. Here is how you can get involved.

Eleanor Morse, at her recent reading at Longfellow Books

Love from the Rock

Brackett Memorial United Church

Sunday March 10th, 2:00 p.m.

• 2.00: Children’s book (ages 8 and up) readings begin–including authors Jamie Hogan, Scott Nash and Annie O’Brien;
• 2.30: Silent auction browsing and bidding.
• 2.45: Adult fiction reading from authors Nicole d’Entremont, James Hayman, and Eleanor Morse
• Coffee, tea, amazing baked goods, books for sale.

Longfellow Books is one of the last remaining indie bookstores in the Portland area. It’s
more than a store–it’s a place for people to gather, to browse, to attend readings and
events, to be a thinking and feeling human being. WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO?

Donations of services for the silent auction (help-your-neighbor/brighten March). For instance:

• a drawing lesson
• magician tricks for children’s birthday party
• juggling lessons
• dump run
• clean the refrigerator
• shoot pictures for an hour
• walk the dog/feed the cat
• interior design color consultation
• birthday cake/pie
• teach dance moves

What else?–let your mind roam free! Please email Rhonda Berg at brhonda1@maine.rr.com or Eleanor Morse at eleanor.morse@gmail.com to set up your donation.

Donations of baked goods for the afternoon of March 10th. Coffee will be provided, and juice for kids. If you can bring a plate of goodies, please bring it to the Fellowship Hall of the Brackett Church by 1.45 on March 10th.