In the chill of late fall, it’s as if Sunday afternoons were made for reading. But this coming Sunday afternoon offers reasons beyond that of personal enrichment.
It’s a special event raising funds for a program called Rx for Reading, which supports children’s literacy in Detroit. And the good people at Book Beat have gathered a half-dozen authors to sit in as guests for part of the afternoon, to sign books and answer any questions. They’ll include Gregory Sumner, author of Unstuck in Time: A Journey Through Kurt Vonnegut’s Life and Novels, illustrator and author Deb Pilutti, children’s book writer Wong Herbert Yee, the dean of Detroit architecture critics John Gallagher, and Karen Dybis, whose new book chronicles the history of Detroit’s Better Made potato chips. They’ll all be at the store 1-3 p.m., though some will hang around longer. (See the website for full details.)
So much for the attractions; here’s how you can help: Bring children’s books in good condition to donate to Rx for Reading, or feel free to purchase one in the store for direct donation. Or, heck, just buy a book — 20 percent of the proceeds will go to the program.
All in all, it sounds like a fun afternoon event. You can buy a new book, chat with its author, have it inscribed, and walk out feeling all positive and supportive, of the author, the arts, bookstores, and, of course, the children.
The event runs from noon to 5 p.m. at Book Beat, 26010 Greenfield Rd., Oak Park; 248-968-1190.
