In this episode, Redhawk (https://redhawkpublications.com) chats with independent bookstore owner, David Fiorentino, who recently opened Libreria Books (https://bookshop.org/shop/libreriabookstore) with his wife Crystal, in downtown Newton. Libreria is their retirement dream come true… before retirement. And David is Redhawk’s new best friend. He’s dedicated prominent space in Libreria for our titles, and he’s partnered with Redhawk for upcoming readings and events—one this month, on Saturday, June 13th with our author/attorneys Austin Allran, Jason Parker and John Rhea.
Every town that’s lucky has a place: the place. You know it as soon as you walk through the door. Hickory’s Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse is one such a place, where you find yourself humming beside the fountain, with a book from the shop and a cup of coffee in hand. Hosts Richard Eller, Patty Thompson and Jane St. Clair discovered that David has been about creating this place in Newton — what he calls a third space — on purpose. “It’s a place outside of work, outside of your homes…” There’s the big circle of vintage chairs in the center of the store, dubbed ‘The Chillatorium,’ which reads like a cool fort for grownups, furnished by your favorite aunts. One month in, and several book clubs have caught on. There’s a free library shelf by the door, free coffee and water when you sit down. There are Redhawk and other independent titles, alongside books you loved ten years ago and New York Times bestsellers. And then there’s David and Crystal, designing midstream. Crystal has plans for a young writers’ program. David is booking independent authors for readings and book signings. Books are the beginning: new and used books, but also artwork, clothing and gifts created by our local artists and designers. They are crafting a designated place for people to be: unhurried, curious, unburdened. Libreria is the place that makes room for genuine community.
Newton is experiencing a renaissance in this city block on North College Avenue, home to the NoCo ARTS collective/gallery and the New State Cinema, which shows family movies, first-run features, and Hitchcock classics. Now, with Libreria, Newton has a hub for readers, writers, and everyone in between, just one block from the courthouse square. “You couldn’t ask for a better spot,” David says of his retirement dream. Now that it’s starting to come true, he doubts he will ever retire. “But it’s the most authentic thing we’ve ever done.”
Folks, put Saturday, June 13th, on your calendar now! Libreria Books (https://bookshop.org/shop/libreriabookstore) will host three Redhawk authors for our Literary Lawyers event downtown Newton. Attorney/Authors John Rhea, Jason Parker and Austin Allran will meet to discuss their books: Lifer, Prosecutor Boy and The Legend of the Isle of Cats. Admission is free!
Literary Lawyers
Saturday, June 13th at 1pm
Libreria Bookstore
111 N. College Ave.
Newton, NC 28658
REDPUBPOD HOSTS:
Richard Eller — Executive Director, Redhawk Publications
Patty Thompson —Editor in Chief, Redhawk Publications
Jane St. Clair — Associate Editor, Redhawk Publications
GUEST:
David Fiorentino – Owner of Libreria Books in Newton, NC
As always, we are honored to have RedPubPod sponsored by Scott Owens, Poet Laureate for the City of Hickory, as well as the owner of the best little coffee shop in all of North Carolina, Taste Full Beans! Be sure to stop by and let the super-friendly staff know you heard about “TFB” from your favorite literary podcast, RedPubPod!
Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea & Café
29 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC
(828) 325-0108
https://www.tastefullbeans.com/
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