Book Club on STT?

I'm not there yet, but this is the sort of thing i love, also. how is the library down there? i love to borrow books rather than buy....

I will ditto Loyal Reader. Anyone know about any book clubs? I did find out that a few places on island have their own libraries of sorts: Bottoms Up, The Toad and the Tart, and I can't remember the others. They have a small collection and everyone just trades I guess. I have not actually checked them out as of yet, but I intend to donate a few good books when I go. There is a library downtown on STT and I do not know of the other islands. I have not been there yet either, so in other words - anyone else know the answers to our questions? 🙂

Teresa

If there isn't one, I'm willing to start one.

Am trying to keep our house "purged" of excess stuff. Unlike my stateside reading habits, I'm not prone to keeping books (except cookbooks and reference books) to re-read.

Anyone up for a book swap?

Best,

LR

Hi!
Got to be honest with you all, the lack of reading material was a major concern for me before arriving and now that I'm here I was SO right to be worried. I went to the library and my reception was less then welcoming, still have no card as they refused to accept the lease I have that is my only proof of residency at this time. I have totally exhausted the supply I brought with me as well as the 3 I picked up from a couple that were leaving the island. Beans, Bytes and Websites has a basket with a few free books in it but they are largely bosom rippers which are not generally my cup of tea (it will shortly be any port in a storm though). I would love to be part of a book club! It would also afford newbies such as myself an opportunity to make contacts. Please keep me informed of any developments. Lou

i have to admit, what to do with my shelves of books is my biggest moving concern. knowing that i could trade with people would be awesome. then i wouldnt need to bring them all- just the ones pertaining to my job in youth ministry, and a few favorites.

The Humane Society is a great place to stock up on paperbacks...only 25 cents each!

Well, why don't we set up the first unofficial book club meeting on St. Thomas, then?

People could bring a few books to trade, and we could meet and chat.

Any suggestions where to go?

Teresa, how big is the new coffee place in Buccaneer? Looks small from the outside.

I'd rather not deal with parking downtown (ugh)- so as much as I'd like to try the new coffee place, I'm not willing to fight for a parking space!

Ideas?

Best,

LR

Hey LR,

STT Resident posted this to one of my questions a while ago. It could be a place to go, I have never been. The coffee shops are way too small unfortunately. Anyway, here is part of his post on the topic:

My place is The Toad and Tart English Pub which is on the Smith Bay Road directly opposite the Kilnworks Pottery. I have a pretty awesome flow of books coming and going and always welcome more, so bring 'em down! I'm open Thursday through Sunday from 4PM to about 11PM but sometimes people just dump bags by the front door under the porch if I'm not open.

I do sift through from time to time and books that have "sat" for a while go to the Humane Society of St. Thomas. Their "flea market" is also a pretty good source for used books.

Teresa

Should I bring all my used books with me and sell 'em for cheap on STX? I have tons that I could bring on my PMV.....

Alix

Is Toad & Tart still open?
I heard from a friend today that it was closed.

Alix, it will probably cost you more $/headache to bring books down than it would be worth.

LR

So, if there is shortage of books and possible no book clubs for swappage, how, do we get our reading fixes. I was thinking of bringing a suitcase with my paperbacks. Will I get charged by customes for bringing in my own books? What do you think?

Alix,

No, customs won't charge you for bringing in your books.
I don't know about the situation on STX, but in STT, we have 2 bookstores and at least one library.

I want to do a bookswap/club just because I've been spending way too much at Amazon and Dockside! And it would be nice to meet/talk to folks about books as well.

Best,

LR

LR,

On the topic, I am reading 'Don't Stop The Carnival'. It is so funny and I feel like I know the characters in the book. I bought it before moving here to read on the plane, however kids interupting me every five minutes and I didn't finish it. I am now enjoying it. I know many people who have read it and now I know what they were talking about! I already have two people who want to read it when I am done.

I know what you mean about spending too much money on books. I have a long list of ones I want to buy and read, but I have to get caught up on the ones I have already purchased. I miss stateside stores that sold new books for 15% to 50% off. Sigh.

Teresa

Dear Loyal Reader.

The Toad and Tart has been around for 10 years and, yes, is still open! Confusion does arise from time to time because I'm closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and some people don't read the opening hours signs!

A book group did meet here once in a while a few years ago. Stop by any time Thursday through Sunday from 4PM on and check out the book collection which is quite healthy and eclectic. Cheers.

STT Resident,

Thanks for the info!

How about it, gang? Want to meet at Toad and Tart Thursday after next (the 23rd), say 6pm, for a book swap?

Best,

LR

Hey all,

I'm in! See ya there!

Teresa

STX does have a book club, however most of us do "book recycle" at the Animal Shelter Flea Market. Paperbacks run fifty cents to a dollar for the most part. We read, then take them back. The money all goes to support The St. Croix Animal Shelter. There are also lots of other "goodies" there. Also a number of the bars have book shelves where you are free to trade books around. Because of the weather, books tend to "breakdown" rather quickly. I've mostly given up my library except for some professional hardbacks.

Linda

Dear Loyal Reader and Theresa and whoever else - I'll look forward to seeing you on Thursday the 23rd.

Usually an avid reader, I always take "first dibs" on books that people bring in, stacking them up into a "must read" pile and then, after reading them, putting them out on the shelves.

Your enthusiasm has reached me and I'm now about to purge and replace, a project that I started a few weeks ago when I gave Joe Aubain a bunch of books for the Humane Society,

I simply don't have the time right now to read everything which takes my fancy, so I'm going to sift most diligently tomorrow and load up the shelves. I truly love readers because readers are thinkers.

See you on the Thursday June 23rd. Cheers dears!

STT Resident,

Thank you for hosting our first book swap! Look forward to meeting you and other folks- and sharing a bunch of books!

I'm thrilled that you share books with the Humane Society...I'll be bringing a lot of books next Thurs, so if you need help getting any to the Humane Society, please do let me know.

Best,

LR

STT Resident:

PS I also heard that you are one of the few places that has draught beer- true?

...because this particular reader might not be much of a thinker, but I sure like to be a drinker!

Best,

LR

alix and teresa-

i know i'm not supposed to be self-promoting my business, but it falls along this topic. at our coffee shop (tropical java) in frederiksted, we have a decent selection of used books to choose from. we do a trade program where you can bring in some books and take some others. if you'd like more info, shoot me an email or stop by. i've been thinking of starting an interest group for a 'book club.' if i get enough people involved, we may be able to have a weekly/biweekly meeting at nights. if anyone is interested, let me know.

-adam

I decided that I am going to bring all my books for those of you in need.....so, maybe a book swap on STX when I am there in August? I will post more when I have exact dates.....I can't wait to meet all of you!

Alix

Adam~

Do you have beer? 🙂

alix-

actually we're in the process of getting our liquor license. it will be needed once the waterfront is finished and we have sunset jazz right in front of our shop. i'll let you know when it happens. should be finished VERY soon.

-adam