Phoenix Rises Again!

The wonderful news is, Phoenix will rise again! Melanie was able to find an enthusiastic new owner for Phoenix Books who will carry on many of the appreciated facets of Phoenix and expand upon its strengths. Melanie will continue to produce events like the Chimera Open Mic nights as she focuses on the next stage of her life. Raven Taylor will take up the challenge of running and managing Phoenix. Both Melanie and Raven Taylor will be in Phoenix throughout June, and you're welcome to come discuss events, books, music, and art with us anytime. We have some exciting June events in store for you all! AND July 4th, 2025, we will be celebrating the ascension, history and the rebranding of the new phoenix → Librairie Phoenix

The New Book Arrivals We’re Loving:

• Who Was Frida Kahlo? by Sarah Fabiny, Illustrated by Jerry Hoare

• Where It Rains In Colour by Denise Crittendon

• The Art of Kissing by William Cane

• How the French Invented Love by Marilyn Yalom

• Blood Red Snow White: A Novel of the Russian Revolution by Marcus Sedgwick

🌟 Events Spotlight:

Silent Book Clubs for young and old! Wednesday afternoons (June 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th) are reserved for elder readers (from 2 pm to 4 pm) and Sunday afternoons (June 8th, 22nd, and 29th) for young readers (1 pm to 3 pm). Dive into a current read in the company of fellow book lovers without the pressure of book club discussions. Bring any book you're enjoying - audiobook, textbook, novel or comic book, or find a book in our collection - to savour for an hour or two of quiet reading (socializing optional).

Lore has it that the concept of a Silent Book Club started sometime in 2012 in San Francisco. It celebrates the joy of reading in peaceful camaraderie, supporting local shops and offering a unique way to unwind. This is a perfect escape for anyone looking to enjoy books and companionship in a relaxed setting. No assigned reading, no pressure! Just bring your book, and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading with others. Everyone is welcome to this free event that promises a refreshing afternoon of literature and community.

June 5th - 7 pm - Phoenix Cinema Screening: Darkman Before directing Spider-Man, in 1990, Sam Raimi (Evil Dead) invented a new (and unencumbered by pesky copyright laws) superhero specifically for the silver screen. It was Darkman! With a bit of Doctor X, Phantom of the Opera, and The Shadow thrown into the mix, starring Liam Neeson. This oddball flick was destined to be a bonkers cult classic. Doors at 7 pm. Limited seating. Show at 7:30 pm. Read books. Watch films. Make friends.

June 12th - 7 pm - Chimera Open Mic - Chimera is where people can read their WORKS of POETRY and/or FICTION to a supportive audience. Everyone is welcome, whether you are there to read or to listen. Sign up on the night of the event if you would like to read. The sign-up sheet will be at the front desk. 5-minute time limit per reader. The bookstore is open. Feel free to browse the shelves and perhaps find some treasures! This will be the last Chimera while Melanie owns Phoenix Books, but thankfully, Chimera will continue! Raven is happy to have Melanie continue hosting Chimera monthly at Phoenix.

June 13th - 7pm - Father's Day Fundraiser Show for Cedars Cancer Foundation w/ SKULLGORG + SAINT WILLOW More details on Facebook event page. If you can’t make the concert and still want to join us in fundraising, the weekend of June 13th, 14th & 15th, we will be fundraising in a variety of ways for Parkinson’s and Cancer research.

June 14th -Saturday, 12 pm -4:30 pm - Tarot with Aurora North Aurora is a Soulful Traveller and a Spiritual Life Coach with 25+ years of experience as a tarot and oracle reader. RSVP online with the event link or day of, in Phoenix at the front desk.

June 15th - Sunday, 1 pm - 4:30 pm - Tarot with Aurora North. RSVP online with the event link or day of, in Phoenix at the front desk.

June 17th - 2 pm -4:30 pm - Life Drawing Meet-up. Free to join. Bring your drawing materials. Sit and draw with other people who enjoy drawing. Socialize if you wish. Reference materials and fresh sketchbooks will be available for purchase at Phoenix.

June 20th - 7 pm start - Euphonic Open Mic. Come ready to share a tune or a poem, or come to listen and support. Musicians, poets and patrons are invited to come explore the rhythm and rhyme of life via poetry and music. Simple acoustic / a cappella set-up. Sign-up to perform is from 6:00-6:30 pm (5-minute time slots).

June 22nd - 2 pm - 4 pm - Jewellery-making Event. Bring your jewellery-making supplies, have a seat and work with others to create some little treasures! Free to join. Crafting and beading reference books are available.

June 28th - Children’s Storybook Time Reading event & children’s book sale. Bring your young ones to Librairie Phoenix for a live reading of books that children want to hear read out loud. There will be an opportunity for children to pick out the books they want to have read, and we will alternate between reading some French books and some English books. All are welcome. Free event.

🎉 Happy Pride Month! Join us at Librarie Phoenix as we celebrate diversity and inclusion in literature. 🌈✨ Dive into our curated selection of LGBTQ-themed books throughout June. 🌈✨

July 4th - Phoenix Ascension Party  Celebrating Phoenix Rising Again! Gathering to celebrate the friends and inspiration that have kept Phoenix going! We're sticking around a little while longer and changing just a smidge. Stop by for some food, music, stories and friendly conversation. Come check out what's new and what's staying the same. Music with Kat B. We will have an opportunity for Friends of Phoenix to tell some of their favourite stories about the bookstore. Fabulous appearances by the women who make Phoenix possible.

“Every ending holds the promise of a new beginning.”

Some books we’ve read recently:

• Beloved by Toni Morrison

• What Makes Love Last?: How to Build Trust And Avoid Betrayal by John Gottman with Nan Silver

• This Is Your Brain On Music: The Science of a Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin

• Like Water for Chocolate: A novel in monthly installments with recipes, romances and Home Remedies by Laura Esquivel

• The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain by Annie Murphy Paul

In June, we transition!

• Melanie and Raven will both be in the bookstore for chats, introductions, greetings and farewells throughout June.

• You will notice some subtle changes as we rebrand and get settled into the bookstore. Notably, Phoenix Books will become “Librairie Phoenix”.

• We will be planning and booking literary, music, art, cinema, culture and all ages events for the remaining months of 2025. Have an idea? Come talk to us!

• Although there will be some subtle changes, Phoenix will remain the same beloved bookstore and community hub…at least for another year 😉 

Our vision is to preserve and continue to build on the many wonderful community connections Phoenix Books has built over the years, and expand upon the bookstore’s ability to host events, support writers, creators and social connections in NDG, while providing cozy, whimsical, creative treasures and treats to its patrons.

Thank you for all your ongoing love and support! -Mel & Raven