AS King School and Library Visits

The fabulous AS King was in St. Paul today as part of the Read Brave program with the St. Paul Public Library (you may remember us talking about these events when Lady Gaga was in town).   

We were pleased to be the official bookseller for Amy's events! 
 

The first stop today was Avalon School in St. Paul. Amy gave a fantastic talk, and was very well-received by students and teachers alike. Everyone at the school had read Everybody Sees the Ants, and it was a treat to see them connect with Amy after reading her book. The students had very thoughtful questions for her. 

At the end of her talk, Amy read to us from her short (true) story in the anthology Dear Bully. It was the first time she had read it aloud, and it was very powerful to hear the story in her own voice. 
 

This evening, Amy's second event of the day was at the Merriam Park Library. 

We followed the trail of ants to where the event was being held...
 

Amy gave another great talk, and answered the audience's questions. She is a very moving speaker and we felt lucky to hear her twice today. 
 

Thank you, Amy, for your support of libraries and independent bookstores, and for reaching out to teens (and adults) with your writing. 

Read Brave with Lady Gaga and SPPL

St. Paul Public Library is teaming up with Lady Gaga and her Born Brave tour to try to bring more awareness to what a problem bullying is, and how we can help prevent it. To participate, you can read the book Everybody Sees the Ants by A.S. King during the month of February. This book deals with important topics, such as bullying, war, and family relations. A.S. King will be in St. Paul later this month for several events with the library, as well as an in-store event with Addendum (Thursday, 2/28 7pm).  
  

The kickoff for the 'Read Brave' program started today, while Lady Gaga was in town for her show.

We had the chance to hang out this evening at the Born Brave bus, along with a couple of the fabulous SPPL librarians who are making this whole 'Read Brave' event happen. 

Lady Gaga had dinner and hot chocolate available for those who attended, as well as crafts and games to participate in and music to listen to. 

Everyone was invited to 'Join the Movement. Sign the Pledge.' 

The pledge table with all the signatures will be taken to the Central Library in downtown St. Paul today.

Marcus, co-owner of Addendum, 'empowering youth' with all that he does at our bookstore.

We are so impressed with all that Lady Gaga is doing "to foster a more accepting society, where differences are embraced and individuality is celebrated. [Her] Foundation is dedicated to creating a safe community that helps connect young people with the skills and opportunities they need to build a kinder, braver world."  - Quotation from the Born This Way Foundation website.  Please visit it to see all the incredible work Lady Gaga has done and continues to do to make the world a safe place for everyone; a place where it is ok to be you, just as you are.