Past Events

A community of more than 5000 young farmers and activists, the members of Greenhorns - a grassroots non-profit founded in 2007 by Severine von Tscharner Fleming - are committed to producing and advocating for food grown with vision and respect for the earth. A new book, edited by Fleming and two more of the group’s leading members, comprises 50 original essays by new farmers who write about their experiences in the field from a wide range of angles, both practical and inspirational.  On Friday, April 27th at 6:30 pm, Severine von Tscharner Fleming will visit Phoenix Books and Cafe in Essex to discuss Greenhorns: 50 Dispatches from the New Farmers' Movement and the organization that inspired it.

Join us to celebrate the work of young artists from Poker Hill Arts!  This event is free and open to the public, and everyone is invited.  Music will be provided by Full Circle.

Poker Hill Arts is an after school art program and summer day camp conceived and run by Chris Gluck in Underhill, Vermont. Each school day, about 20 energetic, fun-loving kids, ages 5-12, come pouring off the bus at Chris's home studio for an afternoon of art or crafts. After some outdoor time and a snack, they usually have a calming, centering activity, such as yoga. Then comes the project of the day, which might include drawing, painting, sculpting, engineering, and/or crafting. When finished with the day's project, the children have the opportunity to draw in their sketchbooks or choose from other creative activities with their friends.

Full Circle is a group of five women who play a mixture of medieval, Renaissance, Celtic, and folk music on recorders, tin whistle, harp, guitar, hammered dulcimer, percussion and voices.

OFFSITE AT MEMORIAL HALL IN ESSEX.

Click here for directions to Memorial Hall.

Please join us in welcoming Vermont's own Howard Frank Mosher!  Howard will give a slideshow and talk, and will read from his new book The Great Northern Express: A Writer's Journey Home at Memorial Hall here in Essex.  A cover charge of $5 will be credited toward a book purchase.

We invite budding scientists, concerned citizens, and naturalists-at-heart to learn about Vermont's Amphibian Monitoring Program. This is a perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience, become educated about Vermont's amphibian population, and learn how to assist in their protection/preservation.

Space is limited; please contact Rachel at rachel@phoenixbooks.biz or 872-7111 to reserve a spot. This demonstration involves delicate critters, so is best for ages 5 and older.

Michael Hastings will visit Phoenix to speak about his new book, The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan.

General Stanley McChrystal, the innovative, forward-thinking commanding general of international and U.S. forces in Afghanistan, was living large. He was better known to some as Big Stan, M4, Stan, and his loyal staff liked to call him a "rock star." During a spring 2010 trip across Europe to garner additional allied help for the war effort, McChrystal was accompanied by journalist Michael Hastings of Rolling Stone. For days, Hastings looked on as McChrystal and his staff let off steam, partying and openly bashing the Obama administration for what they saw as a lack of leadership. When Hastings's piece appeared a few months later, it set off a political firestorm: McChrystal was ordered to Washington, where he was fired unceremoniously.

Come meet the artists at our reception to celebrate the opening of a new group art show. Light fare provided. Reception is open to the public. Join us for a fun evening and check out some local talent.  Featured artists will include Brittany Foster, fiber artist Donna McDermid, photographers Paige Dunbar and Eric Fitzgerald, graphic artist Rick Evans, and the artists of the Essex Art League. 

Paige Dunbar
Paige Dunbar is a junior at Essex High School. Due to her love of photography, she took a photo class last year. Her work has been on display at another local venue, the Dark Room Gallery in Essex Junction. Under the supervision of Ken Signorello, she framed her own pictures with uv antireflection glass. Paige’s artwork focuses on the natural world in her community and travels. She also has a line of greeting cards available.

All skill levels welcome.  See you there!

All skill levels welcome.  See you there!

Come enjoy live music while you shop, or while you relax in our cafe! Full Circle is a group of five women who play a mixture of medieval, Renaissance, Celtic, folk, and holiday music on recorders, tin whistle, harp, guitar, hammered dulcimer, percussion and voices. They have three recordings which will be offered for sale at the store before and after the concert.

Set on the rocky and at times unforgiving coast of Maine, Stephen Russell Payne's emotionally powerful debut novel, Cliff Walking, shares a poignant tale of loss and love that weaves together the lives of three desperate people who struggle mightily to find a way to save each other. Stephen Russell Payne has written for Vermont Life magazine, The Tufts Review, The Vermont Literary Review, Livin' the Vermont Way magazine, and Route 7-Vermont Literary Journal.

All skill levels welcome.  See you there!

Treating patients is challenging enough, but when the patient isn’t the farmer sitting in front of you but his sick cow back home, it’s potentially hilarious. Fortunately, Dr. Beach Conger knows a thing or two about cows and even more about the human condition. In It’s Probably Nothing, Conger returns to Vermont, after living and working in inner city Philadelphia. He reenters a medical practice that is worlds away from urban medicine, yet it quickly becomes apparent that his patients - from Pauline Pontifact to Uptah Corless - need him now more than ever.

This collection of stories from the author of Bag Balm and Duct Tape showcases Conger’s irreverent view into the doctor’s role and his profound empathy for the characters he encounters along the way. Conger also examines how medicine - and problems with our current health care system - can remain the same and yet feel vastly different whether you’re a small-town farmer or big city resident.

Archer Mayor is the author of the highly acclaimed, Vermont-based series featuring detective Joe Gunther, which the Chicago Tribune describes as “the best police procedurals being written in America.” He is also the 2004 winner of the New England Independent Booksellers Association Award for Best Fiction—the first time a writer of crime literature has been so honored.

Join us Saturday, October 8th at 11AM for a back-to-school fiesta featuring Skippyjon Jones!  We'll enjoy stories, crafts, and snacks - all themed around our guest of honor!

Come meet the artists at our reception to celebrate the opening of The Gallery at Phoenix books. Light fare provided. Reception is open to the public. Join us for a fun evening and check out some local talent.

Artists whose work is featured include:

Read our Curator's Essay on this exhibit at Vermont Art Zine!

Throughout the fall foliage season and the holidays, The Gallery at Phoenix Books will host an exhibit featuring the work of graphic artist Rick Evans, Cubist Jonathan Russell, Impressionist Daphne Tanis, 12-year-old photographer Joshua Mower, and Karen Dawson of Burlington's Lakeside Gallery. This exhibit marks the grand opening of The Gallery at Phoenix Books.  (The image at right is "Fire," by Jonathan E. Russell. Used with permission.)

All skill levels welcome.  See you there!

Come on in to enjoy the imaginative art of Kristin Richland and Karen Witt.  We booksellers have been raving about their line-up of evocative and whimsical pieces.  Kristin Richland adds, "We're pretty pleased with how they look together, almost making a story line from day to night."

A Vermont native, in 1999 Kristin Richland received her BFA in Painting from the Maine College of Art.  While in Portland, she was represented by Filament Gallery, exhibiting small soft-sculptures and drawings.  Since 2006, she has taken part in the annual VT Crafts Council Open Studio tour, various small picture exhibits in Vermont, the 2008 Art Hop in Burlington, and a MECA Painter's show at the June Fitzpatrick gallery in Portland Maine.

Join us Saturday, August 20th at 11AM for a fun-filled party featuring Ladybug Girl! 
We'll create our own bug squad and enjoy stories, crafts, and snacks all themed around our guest of honor!

Join us for our monthly gathering of fiber arts enthusiasts! Enjoy a beverage or snack as we knit, crochet, and chat. All skill levels welcome.

Join us for Spanish conversation.  All fluency levels welcome!  We'll meet on the third Wednesday of every month through June (that's April 20th, May 18th, and June 15th).

Facilitator Marny Frantz is a retired high school teacher, who lives in Westford with her husband, three cats, and dog. She is still doing some mathematics education consulting, but her current project is to learn Spanish. Through the magic of Skype she is studying with a language school in Quito, Ecuador.

Please visit to enjoy over two dozen local artists' works of art. This show, an artist's choice exhibit, will run through the first of September.

All of the artwork is original work, and a variety of mediums are represented, from oils, watercolor, pen and ink, to mixed media, fiber art, acrylic and photography.

Join us for Spanish conversation.  All fluency levels welcome!  We'll meet on the third Wednesday of every month through June (that's April 20th, May 18th, and June 15th).

Facilitator Marny Frantz is a retired high school teacher, who lives in Westford with her husband, three cats, and dog. She is still doing some mathematics education consulting, but her current project is to learn Spanish. Through the magic of Skype she is studying with a language school in Quito, Ecuador.

Joe Yonan will visit Phoenix Books from 2:00pm - TBA to sign copies of his new book Cooking for One: Nightly Adventures in Cooking for One.  Stop by to get a personally autographed book for yourself or for a gift!

All skill levels welcome.  See you there!

All skill levels welcome.  See you there!

Please join Phoenix Books and the Essex Art League for a celebration of approximately two dozen local artists' spring-themed art. This show will run through the first week of June. A variety of artwork will be represented, including watercolor, oil, acrylic, pastel, photography, pen and ink, and mixed media.

Join us to celebrate the work of young artists from Poker Hill Arts!  This event is free and open to the public, and everyone is invited.  (If you can't make it, you can still visit and enjoy this delightful artwork through mid May.)

Please join us in welcoming William L. McKone, who will read from his new book, Vermont's Irish Rebel: Capt. John Lonergan.

Archer Mayor is the 2004 winner of the New England Booksellers Association award for best fiction - the first time a writer of crime literature has been so honored.

Get together to discuss graphic novels past and present, talk about graphic novel you're reading now or the one you're working on, network with other readers, writers and artists, or just come to gab about comics in general. No style or genre will be ignored. If you are a creator, be ready for real critiques.

Have you ever wondered who that fresh track in the snow belonged to? Have you ever been curious about what our woodland friends are up to during these cold months? They are leaving us clues in the fields & the forests, wild discoveries to be made! Come learn more about signs & tracks, what to look for, and how to identify what you are looking at.  Please dress in layers and boots as we will be exploring the fields in the surrounding area after our inside informational talk!!!

What: Critter Tracking!
Where: Phoenix Books & Cafe

Get together to discuss graphic novels past and present, talk about graphic novel you're reading now or the one you're working on, network with other readers, writers and artists, or just come to gab about comics in general. No style or genre will be ignored. If you are a creator, be ready for real critiques. Facilitator Rick Evans is a graphic designer and comic book fan living in Underhill.

Saloma Miller Furlong was born and raised in an Amish community in Ohio, which she left in her quest for freedom and a formal education. She graduated from Smith College in 2007 and currently works in the German Department and European Studies Program at Amherst College.

All skill levels welcome. See you there!

Diane Imrie will provide a delicious demonstration and scrumptious samples from her book, Cooking Close to Home.

Jane Sandberg was raised within the lakes and mountains of the Adirondacks. Jane has a degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Oswego, and in Landscape Development and Ornamental Horticulture from VTC. When Jane moved to Vermont, she lived in Barre amidst the granite quarries and sculptures. As she raised her 3 children, she progressed from learning stained glass to pastels to watercolors. At VTC, freehand drawing and drafting were introduced; figure drawing, with Bill Braer, began in Montpelier. Jane continued her watercolor studies in classes with Kathy Berry- Bergeron.

Calling all writers of all genres and of all levels of expertise, from beginner to published! Participants are invited to bring a sample of their original work for reading and discussion, as well as a favorite piece to read and share with the group. Nothing is required, though, and the event is free and open to the public.  See you there!

Check out the local talent at your local, independent bookstore!  Want to be the local talent?  Phoenix is currently seeking currently seeking poets, musicians, singers, storytellers, and comics for this date.  Call 872-7111 to sign up.

Please join Rachel Hamilton in a celebration of her new CD Better Days Here and Now. This is a CD of her original songs inspired by her experiences and the people and places in her life. So come on by for a relaxing evening listening to some great music and stories.

Gather up your guinea pigs and join Tracey Campbell Pearson for stories, drawings, book signing, face painting and a pig party in celebration of the release of her latest illustrated book, Guinea Pigs Add Up. All ages and all guinea pigs are welcome. Phoenix Books will be on site selling copies of Tracey's books. Tracey will be available to sign books.

Phoenix Books and Cafe at the Essex Shoppes and Cinema would like to invite all local teachers (as well as librarians and other educators) to join us for Teacher Night on Tuesday, October 12th from 5-8pm. We'll be offering appetizers, loads of publisher freebies, free advance reading copies, and 20% off in-store items (excluding cafe items) for both personal and classroom use. At 6:30pm, Vermont author Rebecca Rupp will join us to read from her new middle grade novel, Octavia Boone's Big Questions about Life, the Universe, and Everything.

James M. Tabor, a former contributing editor to Outside, attempted Mount McKinley and summitted Mount Sanford.

This group supported efforts by writers in all genres and all levels of expertise, from beginner to published. Participants were invited to bring a sample of their original work for reading and discussion as well as a favorite piece to read and share with the group. Nothing was required, though, and the event was free and open to the public.

This group supported efforts by writers in all genres and all levels of expertise, from beginner to published. Participants were invited to bring a sample of their original work for reading and discussion as well as a favorite piece to read and share with the group. Nothing was required, though, and the event was free and open to the public.

This group supported efforts by writers in all genres and all levels of expertise, from beginner to published. Participants were invited to bring a sample of their original work for reading and discussion as well as a favorite piece to read and share with the group. Nothing was required, though, and the event was free and open to the public.

Get crafty out there! Camping activities from a kid’s eye view was the theme of the day!Suggested ages: Grades 2 and up.

We listened to and enjoyed nature-inspired stories with little ones. Suggested ages: Pre-school to 1st Grade

Create and inspire wonderment in nature with easy-to-do activities. Suggested ages: K through Grade 3

Summer fun begins with a great book! Join us in our Café to take part in fun activities each week this August. We’ve hand-picked an adventurous selection of kids activity books that will inspire young minds and create lasting memories.

We enjoyed folk, jazz, blues, and bluegrass styles with a wry New England sensibility and smoldering voice of Rachel Hamilton, Carol Ann Jones, and Rebecca Padula. Three Vermont songwriters teamed up to swap songs and share harmonies on this summer evening.

Green Mountain Swing is a 17-piece big band based in central Vermont. They play tunes made famous in the swing era of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and many others--hits of the thirties, forties, and fifties. They also draw from more recent decades. Bring your picnic basket and blanket or beach chairs and have a blast.

Jacob is a local musician/song-writer and specializes in wedding, church, and choral music arrangements. He also fronts and plays keys for his band in Addison, VT. His wife, Rachel, plays electric/acoustic violin for the band in addition to writing and singing from time to time. While their repertoire consists of a variety of styles, they presented a program of light, inspirational music for the Essex Community featuring a few of their own compositions as well as a mix of light pop and Contemporary Christian hits.

This concert was held on the gazebo here at the Essex Shoppes & Cinema.

An eclectic concert of talented musicians, poets, and players from the best of the Open Mic Nights at Phoenix Books. Hosted by Rachel Hamilton. This concert was held at the gazebo at the Essex Shoppes and Cinema.

This group supported efforts by writers in all genres and all levels of expertise, from beginner to published. Participants were invited to bring a sample of their original work for reading and discussion as well as a favorite piece to read and share with the group. Nothing was required, though, and the event was free and open to the public.

A crowd of Mosher fans joined us at the cinema for "Transforming History into Fiction: The Story of a Born Liar," a slideshow, reading, and talk by Howard Frank Mosher.

Philip Ackerman-Leist spoke about his new book, Up Tunket Road: The Education of a Modern Homesteader. Ever since Thoreau’s Walden, the image of the American homesteader has been of someone getting away from civilization, of forging an independent life in the country. Yet if this were ever true, what is the nature and reality of homesteading in the media-saturated, hyper-connected 21st century?

Vermonter Deborah Lee Luskin read from her highly-praised first novel, Into The Wilderness. "Will I ever adjust to this place?" VPR commentator Deborah Lee Luskin offers engaging answers to that question in Into the Wilderness. In 1964, Rose Mayer buries her second husband and wonders what she's going to do with the rest of her life. Reluctantly, she visits her son at his summer place in Vermont, where there are neither sidewalks, Democrats, nor other Jews. There is, however, the Marlboro Music Festival.

Cardboard Gods is the memoir of Josh Wilker, a brilliant writer who has marked the stages of his life through the baseball cards he collected as a child. It also captures the experience of growing up obsessed with baseball cards and explores what it means to be a fan of the game. Along the way, as we get to know Josh, his family, and his friends, we also get Josh's classic observations about the central artifacts from his life: the baseball cards themselves.

In Midnight Fires, 18th century Mitchelstown Castle hums with intrigue. An impoverished but rebellious English governess (future author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman) seeks justice after a young Irish rebel and a roguish aristocrat die in cold blood. "Captivating," Publishers Weekly says of the book, "As Mary snoops around in search of the culprit, she is bound not to lose herself to the mystery, her job, or the charms of any man. Wright…deftly illuminates 18th-century class tensions."

This group supported efforts by writers in all genres and all levels of expertise, from beginner to published. Participants were invited to bring a sample of their original work for reading and discussion as well as a favorite piece to read and share with the group. Nothing was required, though, and the event was free and open to the public.