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SUMMARY:Read the Room: A Benefit for Women & Children's Horizons
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a night of community and connection in the name of WOMEN! You’ve heard of speed-dating; but what about speed-friending!? This is THE opportunity to meet your new bestie. \nRead the Room is a ladies-only collaborative event designed to bring us together. Enjoy a night at Blue House Books with snacks and refreshments (sponsored by the Sipster!)\, crafts\, games\, (hello\, friendship bracelets!) raffle baskets\, and a speed-friending experience\, complete with conversation starters to help you break the ice. \nThe best part? All ticket proceeds go directly to Women and Children’s Horizon\, whose mission is to provide support\, shelter\, education\, training and healing services to victims of sexual and domestic abuse\, their families and the community. We are very lucky to have them as a resource\, and your continued support makes all the difference. Blue House Books is also donating 10% of sales during the event! \nDon’t be shy\, ladies! This is the perfect opportunity to check out a beautiful new space (have you seen the bookstore’s new event room?!)\, make some new friends\, and have a ton of fun while supporting a great cause. \nWe can’t wait to see you there! \nThis event is ticketed\, check out the details and grab your ticket here: https://withfriends.co/…/read_the_room_a_benefit_for…
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/read-the-room-a-benefit-for-women-childrens-horizons
LOCATION:Blue House Books\, 5915 6th Avenue A\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53142\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Downtown
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260223T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260223T140000
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CREATED:20260225T173347Z
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SUMMARY:Meet & Greet with Haley Valenta
DESCRIPTION:Local poet Haley Valenta will be at Blue House Books on Saturday\, March 21st to share her latest collection and spread the word about Self-Harm Awareness Month. \nSelf-Harm Awareness Month is an unofficial awareness month that takes place annually during March when mental health organizations and individual activists come together to educate the public about self-harm. This outreach often includes spreading awareness about the prevalence\, signs and symptoms\, and prevention strategies of self-harm\, as well as resources for those affected by it. \nHaley will be at Blue House Books from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.\, chatting with readers and signing books. Her assortment of poetry collections are about healing and growth. Haley will be donating a portion of her sales to To Write Love On Her Arms\, a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression\, addiction\, self-injury\, and suicide. \nBlue House Books will also be donating 10% of sales during the event to the same organization! This is a great time to support a fantastic local artist and a great cause! \nRegistration is not required\, but RSVP for event updates and reminders! RSVP here: https://withfriends.co/…/meet_and_greet_with_haley_valenta \nAbout HALEY VALENTA: \nHaley Valenta is a published poet from Kenosha\, WI. Ever since the first grade\, she has been determined to make her author dream come true (and she did). She started with writing lyrics in elementary school and then dabbled in a variety of genres before finding her home in poetry during her college years. She believes poetry should be complex but also touch the hearts of readers\, and she works toward finding that balance whenever she writes. \nShe has also created a fundraising page that she is promoting for the entire month. Information on that here: https://give.twloha.com/team/799994
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/meet-greet-with-haley-valenta-2
LOCATION:Blue House Books\, 5915 6th Avenue A\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53142\, United States
CATEGORIES:Downtown
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250923T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250923T203000
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SUMMARY:POTLUCK DESSERTS: Justin Burke in conversation with James Schend
DESCRIPTION:Calling all potluck aficionados\, bakers\, and dessert superstars- join us on Tuesday\, September 23rd at 6:30 p.m. for a truly scrumptious event. Justin Burke\, food writer\, recipe developer\, queer food activist\, and award-winning pastry chef and baker will be at Blue House Books to discuss his book\, “Potluck Desserts” with James Schend. \nPick up the book before the event and try your hand at one of the desserts to bring with you! Fill out the google form with what dessert you are bringing. When bringing your dish to the event\, make sure to include all food allergen information. \n*Don’t forget to bring the book with you to the event to get it signed by Justin! \nThis event is ticketed\, check out the details and grab your ticket here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/3232020250923 \nAbout POTLUCK DESSERTS: \nJustin Burke credits his first queer potluck with changing his life. Gathering around a table piled high with homemade food evoked a sense of unity that bridged individuals beyond societal norms\, sparking within him a passion for food that launched his career as a baker. Now a potluck pro\, Burke shares his playful\, delicious recipes in “Potluck Desserts”\, from Lemon-Thyme Bars and Hummingbird Blondies to Snickerdoodle Peach Cobbler and Cranberry-Orange Fluff Salad. \nRefined yet approachable\, these stylish sweets are organized by baking dish—sheet pans\, rectangular pans and foil tins\, loaf pans\, casserole dishes\, and bowls\, bundts\, and other round things—and tagged by time to further simplify the process. Complete with charming personal anecdotes\, reflections on the social importance of potlucks—particularly in the queer community\, and stunning photography of an abundance of good food\, “Potluck Desserts” gives the home baker the tools\, confidence\, and pride to serve beloved\, nostalgic dishes that everyone will love—colleagues\, friends\, families\, and chosen families included. \nAbout JUSTIN BURKE: \nJustin Burke is a food writer\, recipe developer\, queer food activist\, and award-winning pastry chef and baker. They have contributed to publications including Eater\, Food & Wine\, Garden & Gun\, Simply Recipes\, Bake from Scratch\, and more. Burke makes their home in Columbia\, South Carolina\, with their husband and son. \nAbout JAMES SCHEND: \nAfter a delicious decade at Taste of Home\, James has hung up his editor’s hat for a well-deserved retirement\, bringing his culinary adventures full circle right back to Kenosha! His journey with Taste of Home began as a food editor\, where he quickly became a familiar face in the Test Kitchen. Through the years\, he moved up the ranks\, ultimately reaching the pinnacle as the editor of Taste of Home. In this role\, he had the privilege of leading the culinary editorial teams\, orchestrating major recipe contests\, and steering the direction of Taste of Home’s food content. \nThis thrilling ride built on a career that started after he left Kenosha to pursue a culinary degree and exciting jobs across the US. His experience included serving as Content Director at the Williams-Sonoma corporate office in San Francisco and working as a food editor and culinary specialist at Southern Living in Birmingham\, Alabama. \nAnd now the aprons are off\, but James’s passion for exceptional cuisine is stronger than ever! While his professional kitchen days are behind him\, his global quest for incredible flavors has just begun. He’s excited to explore the world’s culinary landscapes\, all while enjoying the vibrant community and familiar comforts of his hometown.
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/potluck-desserts-justin-burke-in-conversation-with-james-schend
LOCATION:Blue House Books\, 5915 6th Avenue A\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53142\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Downtown,Food & Drink
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250426T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250426T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T123930
CREATED:20250326T200602Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T200602Z
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SUMMARY:Independent Bookstore Day!
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to our annual Independent Bookstore Day celebration! \nEvery year on the last Saturday in April\, we celebrate what makes your local independent bookstore special! We always have great deals\, exclusive items\, and giveaways in the store\, alongside an amazing author event! \nBestselling authors Ashley Winstead\, Ali Novak\, Layne Fargo\, Rita Woods\, and Jessie Garcia will be joining us for interviews and book signings during a special event at Kenosha Public Museum! \nRead the details carefully because we have a TON happening on April 26th! \nAt Blue House Books\, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. \nShop with us on Independent Bookstore Day for an amazing celebration! Check out all the amazing things we have planned: \nThe first 15 people to spend $50+ will receive a FREE tote bag\nWe will be promoting brand new\, never-before-seen-at-BHB books and gift items\nAnyone who shops in store or online will be entered into a raffle for prizes and gift certificates from local businesses\nOur passport program will be ongoing\nTons of items will be marked down for one day only! \nA Day for Book Lovers at the Kenosha Public Museum\, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. \nWe have a super fun bookish day planned for you! While ticketed programming begins at 10 a.m.\, we will have a FREE bookish craft and vendor fair from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.\, and food trucks from 1 to 4:30 p.m.! Check back in for announcements on what amazing local businesses will be joining us! \nTicket holders will receive a BHB swag bag with a free book\, gift item\, and more goodies from local businesses! \nWe will be hosting a Brunch Book Exchange at 10 a.m.\, where you’ll have one hour to chat with fellow readers and exchange previously loved books and take home a new-to-you story! A brunch buffet will be provided. \nNext will be our Bookseller Picks presentation at 11:30 a.m.! We will have a presentation to tell you about upcoming and recently released titles that we CAN’T WAIT for you to read! And the best part is\, we will be GIVING AWAY copies of several of the books! Throughout the presentation we will also have a few games with prizes to keep you hooked\, including genre trivia and bookish bingo. \nDuring the presentation\, we will be bringing out several authors with recently released books to chat about their stories and show us an inside scoop on how they developed some of our favorite books! The authors will be available for signing after the Bookseller’s Picks presentation. \nAnd the best part: ticket holders will be enjoying FANTASTIC discounts throughout the day! \nTICKETS \n**NOTE: Only TWO outside books are allowed in for authors to sign. We will have books by all the authors for sale at the event\, or you can order in advance and pick up at the event\, just be sure to choose “Pick up at event” during checkout** \nTicket Option A\, $35 – Includes the event swag bag\, the Breakfast Book Exchange at 10 a.m.\, and the Bookseller’s Picks presentation at 11 a.m.! Ticket A attendees will also be first in line to get their books signed at the end of the presentation. We will be contacting Ticket A attendees with more details regarding the Breakfast Book Exchange and to gather information regarding any dietary restrictions. \nTicket Option B\, $20 – Includes the event swag bag\, and the Bookseller’s Picks presentation at 11 a.m.! \nNo ticket required to join for the craft and vendor fair and food trucks from 11 am – 4:30 pm.
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/independent-bookstore-day
LOCATION:Kenosha Public Museum\, 5500 1st Avenue\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53140\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Downtown,Entertainment,Food & Drink,Kid Friendly,Shopping
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250309T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250309T160000
DTSTAMP:20260419T123930
CREATED:20250212T142200Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250212T142200Z
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SUMMARY:THE SNOWBIRDS: Christina Clancy in conversation with Rowan Beaird
DESCRIPTION:Explore the redemptive power of finding ourselves\, and of being found in “The Snowbirds” by Christina Clancy\, author of “The Second Home” and “Shoulder Season”! \n“The Snowbirds” feature restless people trying to figure out how—and where—they can feel at home in this world. Are they their best\, most authentic selves in a summer house in Cape Cod that holds their secrets and memories? In the small Wisconsin town where they grew up and made mistakes\, swearing never to return? Or maybe they can leave the cold of the Midwest to find themselves—and each other—in Palm Springs. \nJoin Christina at Church & Market (701 56th St) on Sunday\, March 9th at 2 p.m. as part of her book tour for “The Snowbirds”! Christina will be discussing her latest book with fellow women’s fiction author Rowan Beaird\, answering questions from the audience\, and signing books! \nThis is a ticketed event\, so make sure to grab your ticket before they run out! Grab your tickets here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/1466220250309 \nABOUT “THE SNOWBIRDS” \nKim and Grant are at a turning point. \nA couple for thirty years\, their “separate but together” partnership is running up against the realities of late middle age: Grant’s mother has died\, the college where he taught philosophy was shuttered\, and their twin girls are grown and gone. Escaping the bitter cold of a Midwestern winter for the hot desert sun of Palm Springs seems as good a solution as any to the more intractable problems they face. \nWhen they arrive at Le Desert\, a quirky condo community where everyone knows everyone’s business\, Kim immediately embraces the opportunity to make new friends and explore a more adventurous side of her personality. Meanwhile\, Grant struggles to find his footing in this unfamiliar landscape\, leaving Kim to wonder if their relationship can survive the snowbird season. But when Grant goes missing on a hike in the Palm Springs mountains\, Kim is forced to consider two terrifying outcomes: either Grant is truly lost\, or this time he’s really left her. \nIs it ever too late to become the person we wanted to be—and is there still time to change into someone better? The exhilarating\, but often confusing transitions of midlife are pitched against the promise and glamour of Palm Springs in this tender\, honest story of what it takes to commit to someone for a lifetime. With compassion and humor\, Clancy explores the redemptive power of finding ourselves\, and of being found. \nABOUT CHRISTINA CLANCY \nChristina Clancy is the author of “The Second Home” and “Shoulder Season”. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times\, The Washington Post\, The Chicago Tribune\, The Sun magazine\, and in various literary journals. She splits her time between Madison and Palm Springs. \nABOUT “THE DIVORCEES” \nLois Saunders thought that marrying the right man would finally cure her loneliness. But as picture-perfect as her husband is\, she is suffocating in their loveless marriage. In 1951\, though\, unhappiness is hardly grounds for divorce—except in Reno\, Nevada. \nAt the Golden Yarrow\, the most respectable of Reno’s famous “divorce ranches\,” Lois finds herself living with half a dozen other would-be divorcees\, all in Nevada for the six-weeks residency that is the state’s only divorce requirement. They spend their days riding horses and their nights flirting with cowboys\, and it’s as wild and fun as Lake Forest\, Illinois\, is prim and stifling. But it isn’t until Greer Lang arrives that Lois’s world truly cracks open. \nGorgeous\, beguiling\, and completely indifferent to societal convention\, Greer is unlike anyone Lois has ever met—and she sees something in Lois that no one else ever has. Under Greer’s influence\, Lois begins to push against the limits that have always restrained her. But how much can she really trust her mysterious new friend? And how far will she go to forge her independence on her own terms? \nSet in the glamorous\, dizzying world of 1950s Reno\, where housewives and movie stars rubbed shoulders at gin-soaked casinos\, “The Divorcées” is a riveting page-turner and a dazzling exploration of female friendship\, desire\, and freedom. \nABOUT ROWAN BEAIRD \nRowan Beaird is a fiction writer whose work has appeared in The Kenyon Review\, The Southern Review\, and The Common\, among others. She is the recipient of the Ploughshares Emerging Writer Award\, and her work has been nominated for a Pushcart. She has received scholarships from the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference and StoryStudio\, and she currently works at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her first novel\, “The Divorcées”\, was named a best book of 2024 by Elle\, People\, and the Chicago Review of Books.
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/the-snowbirds-christina-clancy-in-conversation-with-rowan-beaird
LOCATION:Church & Market\, 701 56th Street\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53140\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Downtown,Entertainment,Shopping
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250220T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250220T200000
DTSTAMP:20260419T123930
CREATED:20250102T151809Z
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SUMMARY:THE UMBRELLA MAKER'S SON: Tod Lending in conversation with Renee Ryan
DESCRIPTION:Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Tod Lending will be at Blue House Books on Thursday\, February 20th\, to discuss his exciting debut novel\, “The Umbrella Maker’s Son”. Tod will be discussing his book with fellow Midwest author Renee Ryan (“The Paris Housekeeper”)\, answering questions from the audience\, and signing books! \nThe event is free\, but registration is required. Get all the details and RSVP here: https://www.blue-house-books.com/events/1595620250220 \nSet against the harrowing backdrop of World War II\, this compelling work paints a vivid portrait of love\, survival\, and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. \nAlready generating buzz among critics and readers and drawing comparisons to “The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris and Lisa Barr’s newest novel “The Goddess of Warsaw”\, Lending’s narrative tells a universal story of hope and human perseverance. \nAbout THE UMBRELLA MAKER’S SON: \nBorn to a secure\, middle-class Polish Jewish family\, seventeen-year-old Reuven works alongside his father\, an artisan businessman whose shop creates the finest handmade umbrellas in Poland. But the family’s peaceful life shatters when the Nazis invade their homeland\, igniting World War II. The Nazis confiscate their business\, evict them from their home\, and strip away their rights\, threatening the lives of the city’s entire Jewish population\, including Reuven and Zelda\, the girl he loves. After being separated from his family\, Reuven embarks on a perilous journey through the Polish countryside\, determined to reach the Kraków ghetto where he hopes to reunite with Zelda. \nWith exquisite attention to detail\, Lending weaves a tale that transports readers to the heart of Krakow\, capturing the essence of a community torn apart by war. The novel stands out not only for its historical accuracy but also for its deeply personal exploration of family dynamics amidst chaos. Lending’s background in documentary filmmaking shines through in his meticulous portrayal of the era and his ability to evoke powerful emotions. \nAbout TOD LENDING: \nTod Lending is an Academy Award–nominated and national Emmy-winning producer\, director\, writer\, and cinematographer. His work has aired nationally on ABC\, CBS\, NBC\, PBS\, and HBO; has been screened theatrically and received awards at national and international festivals\, including the “Sundance Film Fest.”; and has been televised internationally in Europe and Asia. \nHe is the president and founder of Nomadic Pictures\, a documentary film production company based in Chicago. “The Umbrella Maker’s Son” is his debut novel. \nAbout THE LAST FASHION HOUSE IN PARIS: \nIn the heart of occupied WWII Paris\, an elegant fashion house is the unlikely headquarters of a daring resistance network. Behind closed doors\, courageous women vie to save loved ones and strangers alike from the Nazis in this powerful story of survival\, friendship and second chances. \nFrance\, 1942 \nOnce\, Paulette Leblanc spent her days flirting\, shopping and drawing elegant dresses in her sketch pad. Then German tanks rolled into France\, and a reckless romance turned into deep betrayal. Blaming herself for her mother’s arrest by the Gestapo\, Paulette is sent away to begin a new life in Paris\, working as apprentice to fashion designer Sabine Ballard. But Maison de Ballard is no ordinary fashion house. While seamstresses create the perfect couture gowns\, clandestine deals and secrets take place out of sight. Mademoiselle Ballard is head of a vast network of resistance fighters–including Paulette’s coworker and friend Nicolle Cadieux–who help escort downed military men and Jewish families to safety. \nSoon Paulette is recruited as a spy. Working as a seamstress by day\, gathering information at glamorous parties by night\, Paulette at last has a chance to earn the redemption she craves. But as the SS closes in\, and Nicolle goes missing\, Paulette must make life-and-death decisions about who to trust\, who to love and who to leave behind… \nAbout RENEE RYAN: \nRenee Ryan is a bestselling\, award-winning author of over 30 novels\, including her most recent release\, “The Last Fashion House in Paris”. \nAn avid reader\, trained ballet dancer\, and chocolate enthusiast\, Renee grew up in a small Florida beach town where she learned to skateboard and surf very poorly. During her senior year at Florida State University\, she was elected president of her sorority. After earning degrees in Economics\, Religious Studies and Latin\, Renee worked at a Florida theme park\, a modeling agency\, then took a job molding young minds at Leon High School in Tallahassee. She eventually married the love of her life\, raised two amazing children\, then left teaching to pursue her dream of writing full time. \nFor additional information about Renee\, check out www.reneeryan.com. She can also be found on Instagram\, Facebook\, X\, and Threads. See less
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/the-umbrella-makers-son-tod-lending-in-conversation-with-renee-ryan
LOCATION:Blue House Books\, 5915 6th Avenue A\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53142\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community,Downtown,History,Shopping
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250211T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250218T170000
DTSTAMP:20260419T123930
CREATED:20250115T155517Z
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SUMMARY:Blind Date with a Book
DESCRIPTION:Stop in from February 11th to February 18th and take your chance on a mystery date! Books are wrapped so you can’t see what they are\, and you’re provided only a vague description to make your decision. You never know\, you may just end up with your new favorite book! \nBlind Date books will be available for shopping every day from Tuesday\, February 11th to Tuesday\, February 18th during normal store hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.\, and Saturday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/blind-date-with-a-book-2
LOCATION:Blue House Books\, 5915 6th Avenue A\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53142\, United States
CATEGORIES:Downtown,Shopping
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230305T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230305T160000
DTSTAMP:20260419T123930
CREATED:20230202T174047Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230202T174047Z
UID:10002034-1678024800-1678032000@godowntownkenosha.com
SUMMARY:Documenting History: The Process and Importance of Military History Books
DESCRIPTION:Blue House Books & The Civil War Museum present Documenting History: The Process and Importance of Military History Books.\nJoin us on March 5th as five authors of military history gather to discuss their careers documenting historical events\, led by Civil War Museum Curator Doug Dammann \nThe discussion panel will consist of authors K.M. Waldvogel\, Julia Gimbel\, Robert J. Laplander\, Allen J. Ottens\, and David A. Powell. \nThe focus of the discussion will include the American Revolution\, Civil War\, and both World Wars. Following the discussion will be a question-and-answer session with the audience\, and time at the end to meet with the panelists\, purchase books\, and get them signed by the authors. \nSunday\, March 5th\n2:00 – 4:00 p.m.\nEvent Location: Kenosha Civil War Museum (5400 1st Avenue)\nFree Event \nParticipating authors’ books will be available for purchase at the event. \nTo learn more about the authors\, please visit our event page: https://blue-house-books.com/?q=h.calevent&eid=23274
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/documenting-history-the-process-and-importance-of-military-history-books
LOCATION:Civil War Museum\, 5400 1st Avenue\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53140\, United States
CATEGORIES:Downtown,Entertainment,History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://godowntownkenosha.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/documenting.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Blue House Books":MAILTO:events@shopatbhb.com
GEO:42.5872215;-87.8133044
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Civil War Museum 5400 1st Avenue Kenosha WI 53140 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=5400 1st Avenue:geo:-87.8133044,42.5872215
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230219T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230219T173000
DTSTAMP:20260419T123930
CREATED:20230202T172210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230202T172210Z
UID:10002030-1676824200-1676827800@godowntownkenosha.com
SUMMARY:Banned Book Club FEBRUARY
DESCRIPTION:Welcome to the Banned Book Club\, where we believe in the freedom to read!\nOur February selection is “All Boys Aren’t Blue” by George M Johnson. We hope you can join us on Sunday\, February 19th at 4:30 p.m. at Blue House Books for a respectful and productive conversation!
URL:https://godowntownkenosha.com/events/banned-book-club-february
LOCATION:Blue House Books\, 5915 6th Avenue A\, Kenosha\, WI\, 53142\, United States
CATEGORIES:Downtown,Entertainment,Shopping
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://godowntownkenosha.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/banned.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Blue House Books":MAILTO:events@shopatbhb.com
GEO:42.5819069;-87.8184363
X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Blue House Books 5915 6th Avenue A Kenosha WI 53142 United States;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=5915 6th Avenue A:geo:-87.8184363,42.5819069
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR