Rockford Anthology Week events celebrate the launch of new collaborative book
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A collaborative book involving 82 contributors sets out to offer a nuanced portrait of the city, chronicling a blend of joy and pain from current and former Rockford residents.
"The Rockford Anthology" will be officially released Tuesday by Belt Publishing. The 303-page, $24 paperback is the latest in the Cleveland-based publisher's Anthology series, which features stories from people living in the Rust Belt. There are more than 20 cities in the series, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Youngstown, Ohio; and Detroit, Michigan.
“This is going to be more than a book launch. The anthology showcases what makes Rockford special, so we’re having a weeklong party for our contributors and our community to celebrate,” Rachel León, an author and Rockford native who is the editor of the anthology, said in a news release.
Mayor Tom McNamara is scheduled to kick off a week of events to celebrate the book's release by issuing a proclamation Monday night during the City Council meeting at City Hall. The book's official launch party is then at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 27 Aluna, 124 N. Main St., as one of eight events slated around the book's launch.
Diverse contributors
Among the contributors are nationally recognized figures such as bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Bing Liu, and comedian Ashley Ray-Harris.
Local contributors include the outgoing city poet laureate Lydia Kozlowski, arts and community advocate Vic Rivera, education advocate Emily Klonicki, Tad More Tailoring co-founder Sarene Alsharif, social justice advocate Linda Zuba, and Tommy Meeks, who founded Rockford’s Juneteenth celebration decades before it was a state or federal holiday.
The poets, essayists, writers, storytellers, photographers and other contributors range in age from 14 to 86. Among the youngest is the city’s third youth poet, Trinity Rucker. The oldest is poet Wanie Reeverts, who composed an ode to the Forest City’s oldest burr oak tree.
"Narratives are as diverse as the contributors, chronicling people’s joys in the community and their pain," a news release on the book states. " The book’s recurring theme is that Rockfordians show up, turning passion projects into traditions."
The Rockford Anthology includes the backstories of Somium, an immersive outdoor art project, South Main Mercado, an annual showcase of Latino culture, and Friends of Veterans Memorial Circle, a community effort to reclaim the rundown veterans’ memorial with thousands of flowers year after year. The last piece was written by Helen Karakoudas, an occasional contributor to the Rock River Current.
“I wish everyone could see their hometown receive this level of thoughtfulness and care, whether they’re from a big city, a small town, or, like Rockford, somewhere in between," Emily McClanathan, wrote in a review for Sixty Inches from Center.
Giving back
León, author of the upcoming novel "How We See the Gray," has decided to donate any royalties she's owed as editor of the book.
“I see the book very much as a community project, and for this reason, I wanted that money to be donated to the community," she said in a news release.
Contributors were asked to provide feedback on what should be done with the money, and there was a 50/50 tie between the Rockford Area Arts Council and Family Peace Center, León said. She used a tiebreaker to decide where to send the royalties, and the arts council won. Now, 100% of the royalties will be directly deposited to the arts council.
To honor the fact that so many contributors wanted the money donated to the Family Peace Center, León said she is working on a separate fundraising project for that nonprofit.
Anthology Week events
- Launch party: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 27 Aluna, 124 N. Main St., Rockford
- Readings with contributors: 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Estelle M. Black Library, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford
- Virtual reading with contributors: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23. Go HERE to sign up.
- Photography exhibit: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford. The exhibit features photos by contributor Matt Schwerin.
- Ars Pvblica event: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 at The Underground Art Gallery, 418 E. State St. Rockford. Ars Pvblica will host a Rockford Anthology-inspired evening with the theme of “Home”
- Live performances: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the African American Resource Center at Booker Washington Center, 524 Kent St., Rockford. "Celebrating Third Spaces,” or “Celebrando Tercer Espacios” is a relaxed, family-friendly event will include live performances and encourage participants to connect and foster a sense of community.
- Artist talk: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at 317 Art Collaborative, 317 Market St., Rockford. Photographer Matt Schwerin will showcase his work and include readings from “The Rockford Anthology.”
- Reading and reception: 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the Howard Colman Library, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford.
Where to buy the book
Online: Buy it HERE through Belt Publishing
In person: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford. (Store owner Dave Pedersen is a contributor)
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Independent Rockford bookstore launches publishing arm with focus on exporting local talent
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — An independent bookstore in downtown Rockford has launched its own publishing arm that will be focused on showcasing local talent.
Maze Books, 406 E. State St., is releasing its first book "Cold Comfort" on Saturday at the store. That collections of poems, essays and illustrations fittingly comes from the shop's owner, Dave Pedersen. But the author's goals extend beyond a glorified form of self-publishing: Pedersen hopes to make Maze Books a means to export Rockford's literary and artistic talent to other communities.
"We're importing so many things here, and there's so much talent I think we can export it," he said. "There's something about Rockford that's not like anywhere else. There is something here that we can export, and I think it's a lot of creativity."
Next up for Maze Books is a haiku anthology focused on Rockford and illustrated by Rockford artist Joe Tallman. That project is slated for 2025. Pedersen also envisions poetry chatbooks and reprints of classic books in the public domain with fresh covers from Rockford artists or forewords from local literary experts.
"The hope that this can be a cultural hub for literature — that is something I've talked about since we opened," Pedersen said. "The anthology is going to be a great way to showcase some of the talent, and it's going to be a great way for me to get more into the editing role."
Pedersen said they're not taking open submissions for publication, but instead plan to work with people who they've connected with at various literary events.
"I like to showcase writers and authors and poets who are in regular attendance at other authors and poets events," he said. "The people who will be published at Maze Books will be people who you already know about, who have already been putting in the work and supporting everybody, and this will be the cherry on top for them."
"Cold Comfort," Pedersen's third book, is a collection of poems and personal essays that explore post-pandemic isolation. The first run of books is just 200 copies, with orders headed to other small bookshops Pedersen has met through the industry.
The cover was designed by photographer and zine maker Ryan Searl and the foreword was done by poet and author Don Heneghan.
It was printed locally at 11th Street Express Printing. Doing so, Pedersen said, gave a high level of control of the every aspect of the feel and look of the book.
"Right now, anybody can publish anything," he said. "It's just a matter of can you put your hands on it? Can you feel it and make it sure it's exactly what you want before it goes to print?"
The look and feel was designed in the style of Lawrence Ferlinghetti's "City Lights Pocket Poets" with a small but heavy stock that can fit in your pocket so it's easy to carry around and read.
Pedersen said he pored over options with Gary Ehrhardt and Susan Richards of 11th Street Express Printing before landing on the final product.
"Everything there is on purpose, from the cream color to the weight," he said. "I want it to have a real feel of, this is not made in some real-quick, fast publishing house. This is a piece of artwork on its own."
Book release | 'Cold Comfort'
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7
Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
Admission: Free
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Drewelow’s House of Books celebrates next chapter with grand reopening of Rockford shop
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Drewelow's House of Books is now celebrating its grand reopening, an event that culminates its yearlong effort to turn its new location into its new home.
The used bookshop moved to 3925 E. State St., suite 100, a year ago after operating from Charles Street since 2008. It was forced to move because the city decided to tear down the strip mall where it was located as part of a plan to mitigate flooding along Keith Creek. The property was demolished this summer.
“Despite the challenges we faced, we are thrilled to be back and better than ever,” owner Patricia Drewelow said. “Drewelow’s House of Books is not just a bookstore; it’s a community hub for book lovers and treasure hunters alike. We are committed to making everyone feel at home and supporting our local authors and artists.”
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Drewelow's celebrated its grand reopening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Miracle Mile Rockford, a business district association along the East State Street and Alpine Road corridor. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday for the grand reopening event.
Moving into the new space required relocating more than 200,000 books. About 150,000 of those books are on the shelves and an additional 50,000 in storage, Drewelow said.
"We take the time to put everything in alphabetical order in each category," Drewelow said. "We've worked really hard. The community means a lot to us. We're here for them. We're not here for us."
The shop also includes music, home decor, gemstones and some vintage merchandise, including diecast cars and other collectibles. There is also locally-made jewelry and other items that Drewelow and her daughter craft.
"People keep on thinking we're a bookstore only. We're not, we have a little bit for everybody," Drewelow said. "Check us out for Christmas presents, birthday presents or just treat yourself."
Drewelow's converted a former office space into its bookshop, with the individual offices dedicated to specific genres of books. There is also a children's book section and a play space for kids, as well as a lounge area with vintage furniture for book clubs or customers relaxing before they make their selection.
The main shop space is packed with a variety of romance novels, which has been the most popular genre at the store. There are also sections for mystery, cookbooks, science fiction, paranormal, religious titles, local authors, children's books, Black authors, fiction and non-fiction.
Drewelow's also has a row of first editions and first printings. Drewelow takes pride in rare finds, such as a four-volume set of "The Self-Interpreting Bible" from 1909 and "The Bachman Books," four early novels by Stephen King under the name Richard Bachman.
Book prices can range from as low as $1 to higher prices for first editions or signed copies.
Drewelow said she started her own business because she and her husband had a love for books. The love for books is something she inherited from her mother, who would read multiple books over the course of just a couple days. She said tries to make sure customers leave with something they will enjoy reading. If she doesn't have what they're looking for, she said she'll help them find it.
"During the (soft opening) we've listened to our customers and what they want," she said. "So I feel like this is the true us now."
About | Drewelow's House of Books
Where: 3925 E. State St., suite 100, Rockford
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday (also open by appointment)
On social media: facebook.com/Drewelowsbooksforyou
Phone: 779-423-3009
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Rockford IceHogs partner with United Way on goal to improve region's literacy rates
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Rockford IceHogs aren't skating around the issue: They want kids to check out more books and stick to reading.
The Hogs are partnering with the United Way of Rock River Valley for a new reading initiative that culminates in the United for Literacy Night at the Dec. 14 game against the Iowa Wild at the BMO Center.
The goal: To work toward improving low reading proficiency and literacy levels in the region.
Right now, about 32% of local students are reading at grade-level proficiency by the end of third grade. United Way launched its United for Literacy campaign 13 months ago with a goal to improve those reading levels to 75% by 2034.
"We are committed to reversing this reality," said Julie Bosma, president and CEO of the United Way of Rock River Valley. "We love standing shoulder to shoulder with another community organization that is committed to helping our children increase their literacy. ...
"We need every child to succeed so our community succeeds."
The family-focused game night this winter will feature an array of literacy-themed activities and educational booths, including a literacy fair, local authors on hand, library card signups, a book donation drive and various ways for kids who come to the game to leave with a book in hand.
"I'm excited for the togetherness. A lot of times as parents and families we do things isolated, alone, as it relates to reading to our children at night," said Ebony Wrenn, principal of Jackson Charter School. "To have a community night that engages intergenerational support is just amazing."
As part of the partnership between the United Way and the Hogs, players will visit local schools such as Jackson to read to children and highlight the importance of literacy. Hammy will also make appearances at literacy events.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for our players to get out in the community and work with the youth and understand that there is a lot more in life happening outside of the four walls of the BMO," said Mark Bernard, the Hogs' general manager and president of hockey operations. "They can play a role in helping a child's life and day be that much better and become somewhat of a role model to them."
The literacy game night coincides with the IceHogs annual teddy bear toss, a popular promotion where fans bring stuffed animals to the game and throw them onto the ice after the Hogs' first goal. The plush pets are scooped up and delivered to children in need.
Last season, 5,148 stuffed animals were donated to the cause, bringing the total to more than 57,000 during the history of the event.
The Dec. 14 game is also part of kids takeover night, when children get to help with in-game announcements and other promotions for the Hogs.
The game also includes a fundraising aspect for literacy efforts, with specially designed game-worn jerseys to be auctioned off to support the United Way's literacy efforts.
The jerseys were designed by Bella Nichols-Francis, 12, a sixth grader at Maria Montessori at Marsh who created a depiction of Hammy the IceHogs mascot wearing a teddy bear costume and holding a book.
Providing an opportunity to watch the IceHogs, raise literacy awareness and raise money to support the effort is a real hat trick in the IceHogs' book.
But the Hogs and United Way are also stressing the urgency to improve the region's literacy rates.
"A child's outcomes and opportunities for the rest of their lives are greatly determined by their ability to read proficiently at 8," said Jessica Iasparro, director of community impact for the local Untied Way. "We've got 8 years for those children to set them up for success for the rest of their lives. So this is important work that we're doing here."
If you go | United for Literacy Night
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14
Where: BMO Center, 300 Elm St.
Tickets: Go HERE
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Rockford Public Library embraces what was once banned in weeklong exhibit
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new exhibit at the Rockford Public Library embraces the controversial, prominently displaying a collection of 11 books published over the course of 113 years that all share a common thread: They've been banned at one time or another.
The exhibit, which comes from the personal collection of Maze Books owner David Pedersen, is on display in celebration of Banned Books Week. The national weeklong event was created in 1982 in response to surges in book bans, and it's intended to promote open and unfettered access to information.
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The display is on the third floor terrace gallery of the main library, 215 N. Wyman St., and it showcases vintage prints of commonly challenged or banned books. For example, there is a copy of Henry Miller's "Tropic of Capricorn" from 1954 that was printed in France during the U.S. ban, which was lifted in 1961.
"This could have been smuggled, because this was printed in 1954 in France when it was banned in America," Pedersen said. "It's possible — I like to tell myself there was an underground Henry Miller ring going on."
It's also filled with classics including George Orwell's "1984," which Pedersen noted faced bans for being both anti-communist and pro-communist, depending on where it was being sold. There is also "Grapes of Wrath," "A Clockwork Orange," and "Fahrenheit 451," among other titles.
"That's the problem with book bans, pretty much any good book has been challenged or banned," Pedersen said.
Pedersen kicked off the exhibit with a presentation called "Silenced Stories: The Hidden Cost of Book Banning." More than two dozen people attended the lunch-hour event, which was centered on the dangers of banning literature.
"If you want to know what is the hidden cost of book bans — it's ignorance," Pedersen said. "What we're seeing is people jumping to conclusions about something because they simply read a headline."
The oldest book in the collection is "The Jungle," Upton Sinclair's 1906 novel that is credited with exposing poor working conditions in the meat-packing industry.
The latest is "Gender Queer," 2019 memoir by Maia Kobabe that explores gender identity and sexuality. It has been criticized as pornographic and banned for its sexual illustrations, which those seeking to ban the book say shouldn't be able to be easily accessed by children.
It was the most banned book of 2023, according to the American Library Association. Locally, the book was removed from the Harlem School District library after a board vote in 2022. Those who support its place in libraries say it can be an important title to help promote understanding around gender identity.
"It is absolutely not pornography, it is their journey," Pedersen said. "To call somebody's journey and private sharing of what their life's really liked — extremely vulnerable — pornography is atrocious. That's what we're fighting against."
The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 4,240 unique book titles targeted for censorship in 2023. There were also 1,247 demands to censor library books, materials and resources last year, the organization said.
Challenges at the Rockford Public Library are rare, according to Lorene Kennard, information services manager.
"From the library's perspective, we want everyone to have access to everything," Kennard said. "We want to make sure everybody knows that they have a say in what they read."
A person who wants to challenge a book must fill out a challenge form detailing their reasoning. That is then submitted to library leadership for consideration.
Books are chosen for the library's shelves based on the collection development policy approved by the board of trustees. Master librarians then follow that policy to curate the selection in the stacks.
"We do make thoughtful decisions when we purchase books and materials. We want people to be able to try new things that they maybe haven't read before," Kennard said. "There's no judgement. ... Everyone can come in and read anything they want. It's up to them to decide what to read."
Lara Griffin, marketing assistant for the Rockford Public Library, said the exhibit sets out to show what censorship looks like from different eras.
She said the library wants to make sure that people have access to the books they want or need. But no one is forced to read a title they disagree with or dislike.
"We have books here for everyone," Griffin said. "We're reaching the whole community."
Exhibit | Banned Books: The Pedersen Collection
When: Monday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 27 during regular library hours
Where: Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., third floor terrace gallery
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Anthology aims to capture joy, pain in Rockford's untold stories: Your submissions are wanted
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new collaborative literary project led by a local writer and editor sets out to have Rockford residents tell the city's story to a national audience.
"The Rockford Anthology" is being spearheaded by Rockford native Rachel León as part of Belt Publishing's anthology series. León is collecting submissions now as she sets out to capture the tragedy, joy, drama, humor and pride that comes with living in Rockford.
“Whether it's a story of pride or a moment of heartbreak, we want to hear from you,” León said. “We’re looking for personal accounts that convey the dreams, frustrations, and hopes of those who call Rockford home.”
Submissions are being accepted through Oct. 15. There's no set length or genre, you can submit poetry, essays or other prose.
León's goal is to document the diverse narratives that make up the fabric of the community. Submissions are encouraged from individuals of all ages, abilities, gender identities, sexualities, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Doing so can be anything to poking fun at your hometown to confronting some of its toughest issues head on.
"Rockford has a sense of humor and can make fun of itself, but there are a lot of hard things that happen in Rockford and are part of Rockford's history — and that needs to be there, too," she said. "Tragedy next to joy."
The project spurred from León's interview with Anne Trubek, publisher of "Best of the Rust Belt." León noted the book and Belt's anthology series was missing her hometown. Now she's leading the effort to showcase the city through its stories.
Those interested in submitting a piece are encouraged to reflect on their personal connection to the city. León also wants to see writers explore the local history, points of pride, social challenges and any personal memories.
She said stories can range to the triumphs of Rockford natives such as Academy Award-nominated director Bing Liu and NBA star Fred VanVleet to challenges such as the People Who Care race discrimination lawsuit.
“This anthology is an opportunity for residents past and present to share their experiences and contribute to a broader understanding of our city," she said.
The anthology is slated for publication in 2026.
How to submit
You can enter your submission for The Rockford Anthology by emailing it to rockfordanthology@gmail.com.
To learn more about the guidelines for submissions, go HERE.
Deadline: Oct. 15
Writing workshops
Rachel León will host two writing workshops next month for those preparing a submission or interesting in improving their writing in general.
Writing on Rockford
When: 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
Where: Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
Writing essays
When: 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28
Where: Rockford Public Library Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St., Rockford
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Rockford Indie Bookstore Crawl growing beyond bookshelves in its second year
Rockford Indie Bookstore Crawl returns Feb. 24
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — In its second year, the Rockford Indie Bookstore Crawl is growing beyond the bookshelves to a celebration of literature at several spots around the city.
The crawl started a year ago as a collaboration between the city's five independent bookstores — The Book Stall, Drewelow’s House of Books, Katie’s Cup, Maze Books and Toad Hall Books and Records — to draw people out for an event during a slower time of year when weather typically keeps people inside.
This year a few additional businesses are getting involved with drink specials at nearby restaurants and merchandise at local retailers.
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The inaugural event last year led to record book sales at all five shops, according to Dave Pedersen, the owner of Maze Books, and Nick Naruz, who owns Toad Hall with his family.
"We were not prepared for the number of people that showed up," Pedersen said. "It felt like a scavenger hunt, because you saw whole families that were actually excited.
"The community responded above and beyond anything I've ever seen in my life. It wasn't even about selling books; it was about having something to do that is not the same."
Return of the crawl
The Indie Bookstore Crawl is back this year on Saturday, Feb. 24.
There will once again be specials, discounts and giveaways at each of the five stores. For example, Maze and Toad Hall are offering 30% off used books and 20% off new titles.
This year there are also some surrounding businesses getting into the literary spirit.
Rockford Art Deli, 402 E. State St., created T-shirts with the slogan "support your local bookstore." SRM Prints, 406 E. State St., is making bookmarks and planning a pop-up event. Patrick Alberto of 27 Aluna, 124 N. Main St., is creating a literary inspired menu item and Ernie's Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., is creating a cocktail in honor of all five bookstores. Taco Libre, 501 E. State St., is planning on making its version of a Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster, a drink from Douglas Adams' "A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," and fizzing lifting drinks inspired by Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
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"It's turning into something bigger than I ever imagined it," Naruz said. "Not only has it become an event for our stores, but it has now fueled that community that we've been trying to grow."
In the future, Pedersen sees the potential for the crawl to be held in conjunction with a literary celebration around the city with readings of poetry and prose and more groups or businesses joining in.
"You get the ball rolling and you never know where it's going to go," Naruz said.
The poster for this year's crawl was once again designed by Joe Tallman, a Rockford artist and illustrator who has worked with bands, sports teams, major brands and others to create original artwork for their events or businesses. The science fiction-inspired poster was created from the concept that it was the "return of the book crawl," Pedersen said.
There will be 70 prints of it available for sale and 50 T-shirts. Naruz said that Tallman's work has been a part of the crawl's success.
"The designs have been so cool, it has attracted people to the event," he said.
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The bookstore crawl also gave local shop owners a way to support each other as partners, rather than rivals.
It creates another reason for people to shop local, and it creates the type of experience small booksellers need to compete with giant online retailers.
The benefit for shoppers is two-fold: They can score deals on books for low prices and they can be assured that their money is staying in the community, Pedersen said.
"I make a conscious effort to keep this in the community because we can all share this," he said.
Rockford Indie Bookstore Crawl | If You Go
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24
Where:
- The Book Stall, 1032 Crosby St., Rockford
- Drewelow's House of Books, 3925 E. State St., suite 100, Rockford
- Katie's Cup, 502 Seventh St., Rockford
- Maze Books, 406 E. State St., Rockford
- Toad Hall, 2106 Broadway
Prizes: Those who visit all five stores with their punch card will have a chance to win a prize worth $25 at each of the five stores, a total value of $125 in merchandise.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas
Rockford event sets out to 'put the spooky back in Christmas'
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — A new event happening Saturday in Rockford pays tribute to spooky Christmas traditions with work from local authors and a variety of local makers.
Put the Spooky Back Into Christmas is slated for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St. Admission is free.
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The combination of spooky and Christmas may seem unusual, but author Gary Hill said it's rooted in tradition. Take for example the Charles Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol," which is actually a ghost story.
"The whole tradition of spooky stories at Christmas - actually that was bigger than Halloween because a lot of places didn't celebrate Halloween," Hill said on 104.9 The X, a radio partner of the Rock River Current. "In Europe spooky Christmas was a big thing, and it was here for a long time until maybe 100 years ago."
Hill will be one of several authors featured at the event, including Frank Coffman, Kathi Kresol and Stephen Osborne. Each will have their books available and have a spooky holiday reading as part of a video playing during the event.
Hill, who has authored several books, also runs a local science fiction and horror imprint Tales of Wonder and Dread, which includes "Horrifying Holidays: Holiday Spookfest," "Put the Spooky Back Into Christmas: Classic Holiday Horror Tales" and "Horrifying Holidays Two: More Holiday Spookfest" in its catalog.
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A number of vendors will be at the event, including artist Chris Geebus, Next Life Creations and Bast & Baetyl Alchemyns.
You'll find a variety of one-of-kind art items, jewelry and merchandise themed around holiday mythology.
This event was made possible, in part, by a 2023 Action Micro-Grant from the Rockford Area Arts Council.
Know before you go | Put the Spooky Back Into Christmas
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
Where: Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St.
Admission: Free
More info: Facebook event page HERE
Contact: KeepItSpooky@SpookyVentures.com
Drewelow's House of Books opens new location designed to be a cozy second home for Rockford readers
By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — There are small touches throughout Patricia Drewelow's new bookshop space designed to make it feel like home.
Her grandmother's vintage sofa chair is tucked into a corner near the mystery section. There's a lounge area with a matching antique sofa and chair, and an old-school record player that belonged to her husband's grandmother rests near the front of the store.
"We want it to be comfortable like a second home," she said of the new home for Drewelow's House of Books. "The people who come in here are customers at first and they become our friends later."
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Drewelow's House of Books has moved into a new space at 3925 E. State St., suite 100, after operating on Charles Street since 2008. The move was required because the city plans to demolish the strip center where it was originally located as part of its efforts to reduce flooding along Keith Creek.
Its new home is a former insurance office near Don Carter Lanes that's been outfitted with new carpet and filled with bookshelves that hold just about every genre of used book you can find.
Drewelow's also has some vintage goods and toys, such as a series of Batman diecast cars, and there are locally-made crafts and jewelry that the owner and her daughter make. In that regard, Drewelow's is not just a bookshop but a reflection of the owner herself.
"This is totally me because I'm not just one thing," Drewelow said. "Between different categories of books, to different selections from jewelry to novelty or whatever, that is who I am."
Drewelow has finished about three-quarters of the process of setting up the new space, but enough is done for customers to come browse the shelves or sit down with a book on the matching sofa and chair that date back to 1909.
"I wanted a bit of coziness and elegance," Drewelow said.
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The former offices that make up the storefront have been converted to sections for various genres. At the center are shelves packed with the most popular genre: romance. There are also sections for mystery, children's books as well as a kid's play area, science fiction, paranormal, religious titles, Black authors, fiction and non-fiction that includes cookbooks, self-help and more.
"You can always find something there to read whether it's a new author or one who you've followed all along," said Sandy Brinker, who has been a customer since Drewelow's opened its original location. "It's just a great place, and they make you feel comfortable and welcome."
Brinker said the new space is roomy, spacious and bright. But the at-home feeling Drewelow's creates is as much about the owners as it is the atmosphere in the store.
"They're friendly. They get to know you by name. You're not just a customer, you're a person. You're a friend," Brinker said. "She's very welcoming, and so is her husband. If you're the only customer in there, you can bet you're going to have a good half-hour conversation with her."
Book prices can be as low as $1 — or free in some instances — and there are higher-priced items for first editions or signed copies.
Drewelow started looking for a new home for the bookshop earlier this year when she learned the city was moving forward with plans to raze the strip center that also included hear Magic Hair Studio, Slots of Fun and Charles Street Shoe Repair, which moved into Rockford Plaza.
She came across the for lease sign after bowling at Don Carter Lanes, which is where she met her husband, Jon, an Air Force veteran and IBEW electrician. They have three kids: 23-year-old twins Breanna and Jon and 20-year-old Brandon. They also have a 1-year-old grandson, Shawn.
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Both Patricia and Breanna made jewelry sold in the store. The casual-look bracelets, necklaces and other items use chi stones, beads and other natural elements.
"Everything that I do is one-of-a-kind. When someone buys a necklace from me or a bracelet they know that's the only one," Patricia Drewelow said. "I just like to make people feel special."
She said she developed a love of reading from her father, Patrick Haferkamp, and her mother, Gloria Haferkamp, who always had a book in hand wherever she went.
Once her move from Charles Street is complete, she hopes to hold more events in the space such as poetry readings, book clubs and opportunities to read to children to help in the community's effort to boost literacy. She also wants have have craft shows for local artists in front of the store in the future.
"We want it to be here for the community in all different aspects," Patricia said.
About | Drewelow's House of Books
Where: 3925 E. State St., suite 100, Rockford
Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday (also open by appointment)
On social media: facebook.com/Drewelowsbooksforyou
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas