Book Fair 21+ in aid of the Girls Choral Academy

Rachel Van Gilder and Katie Rosendale

10 minutes ago

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A book fair for adults that aims to promote access to literature is taking place for the second year in Grand Rapids this weekend.

Book.ish is free and runs Sundays from 12 to 3 p.m. in the Center for Community Transformation on Madison Avenue SE at Cottage Grove Street.

Organizers say the goal of the book fair is to “empower our community through representation and accessibility.” There is a community fund with $10 off per book so as many people as possible can get something. The books feature stories from Black, Indigenous, People of Color and other marginalized communities, as well as goods from local BIPOC vendors.

The event features performances, a coffee bar and a Bloody Mary bar.

“It’s 21 and over, because we have Bloody Marys and Mimosas and stuff like that, but anyone can come, no matter what walk of life,” said organizer Phalesha Kyes. “And the amazing thing is that you’ll probably find a book there that speaks to you or that you can learn something from and gain a different perspective.”

“A lot of people stopped reading after college,” said organizer Chinyere Aririguzo, “so we hope we can help people rethink their relationship with reading.”

Book.ish will benefit from Girls Choir Academy in Grand Rapids this year.