Every Thing Goes BookCafe, a cherished cultural hub in Staten Island, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a vibrant four-day event series that includes live music, poetry, and interactive activities. Since its inception in 2005, the BookCafe has served as a gathering place for local residents and visitors from various regions, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Owner and manager Katie McCarthy highlighted the venue’s unique appeal, stating, “We do serve a really wide range of people. It’s just because of the neighborhood we’re in and because we also serve the tourists who come off the ferry.” McCarthy emphasized the welcoming atmosphere that resonates with patrons, many of whom express nostalgia for similar spaces in their hometowns.
Celebratory Events and Community Engagement
The BookCafe, located at 208 Bay St. in Tompkinsville, features a cozy café serving organic coffee alongside a collection of second-hand books and records. Its “neighborhood stage” has hosted hundreds of events, including poetry readings, theatre productions, and craft workshops. McCarthy noted the value of having a used bookstore in the community, where affordable and varied selections can surprise and delight readers.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, the venue kicked off the festivities with displays of memorabilia that reflect its rich history over the past two decades. A highlight of the event is an open mic “marathon,” which commenced on October 8, 2023, hosted by local emcee Maya da Poet. Subsequent evenings feature performances by Jahtiek Long on October 9, Phoebe Blue on October 10, and Jonathan Bricklin on October 11.
In addition to the open mic events, the celebration includes a variety of special activities. On October 9, Mary Campbell will lead a “Book Cafe Memories Mail Art Exchange Workshop” from 15:00 to 17:00, where participants can create postcards inspired by their favorite memories at the BookCafe. That evening, a singalong in honor of John Lennon‘s birthday will take place from 20:00 to 22:00.
Promoting Literacy and Community Values
The celebration will culminate in a reading of Allen Ginsberg’s iconic poem “HOWL” on October 11, led by Beth Gorrie in the venue’s backyard garden from 14:00 to 16:00. This year’s anniversary coincides with Banned Books Week, and visitors who purchase a book during this campaign will receive a complimentary poster. All events are free to the public, with donations encouraged to support the venue’s ongoing mission.
McCarthy shared that the BookCafe operates under a philosophy of “reduce, re-use, and recycle,” collaborating with local, cooperative, and socially responsible businesses. This commitment aligns with their goal to foster a love for literature among community members and younger generations.
Open mic participants can sign up in advance at the venue or simply show up on the day of the event. For additional information and guidelines, interested individuals can visit the BookCafe’s website at etgstores.com.
As Every Thing Goes BookCafe celebrates two decades of community engagement, it continues to promote the joy of reading and the value of local culture, remaining a vital part of Staten Island’s fabric.
