In Bloom Bookery in Old Town Temecula is offering October events. (Photo Credit: Ashley Ludwig)
TEMECULA, CA — October is National Book Month, making it a fitting time to browse a local bookstore, find a new read or make plans for an author event, book club or literary gathering.
Independent and community-based bookstores across Riverside and San Bernardino counties have a full slate of events this fall, from author appearances and midnight release parties to book clubs, storytimes and community sales.
Below are several Temecula bookstores and bookstores to visit across the Inland Empire, with upcoming or recurring book-related events. Readers should check each store's official website before visiting for current schedules, registration details, fees, availability and any last-minute changes.
1. The Spine & Vine Bookstore
The Spine & Vine Bookstore in Temecula carries adult and children's books, bookish gifts, cards, mugs, bookmarks, apparel, totes, book sleeves, stickers and more. The shop began as a mobile bookstore before opening its Temecula storefront in 2025.
Where: The Spine & Vine Bookstore, 41789 Nicole Lane, Suite B5, Temecula
Kiri Callaghan and J. Penner at Briar Rose Winery — Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Callaghan will celebrate the release of The Hearth Witch's Guide to Spite & Spellwork with cozy-fantasy author J. Penner. The evening includes an author conversation and book signing.
A Court of Splintered Harmony Midnight Release Party — Monday, Oct. 26, from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. The event includes private shopping, an ACOTAR-inspired painting session at Pinot's Palette, trivia, raffles, a costume contest and a midnight book handoff.
Bookish Bingo Night — Friday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 8 p.m. The bookstore will host bingo with book-related prizes and giveaways. General admission is $5.
Book Nook Night — Thursday, Oct. 15, from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests will build miniature book nooks during the crafting event. The event was listed as sold out as of Oct. 7.
October Sunday Swap — Sunday, Oct. 18, from 9 to 10 a.m. Participants can bring handmade items, including baked goods, candles, soap or crafts, and exchange them with other attendees.
A Court of Splintered Harmony Midnight Release Party — Monday, Oct. 26, beginning at 9 p.m. at Crush & Brew in Old Town Temecula. The ACOTAR-themed event includes music, games, a themed menu and a midnight countdown to the book's release.
Entities to Lovers Release Party with Mallory Marlowe — Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. Marlowe will celebrate the release of her new romance novel in conversation with Maria Millage, followed by book signing opportunities.
Friends of the Murrieta Library operates two used bookstores in Murrieta, including the Town Square Bookstore attached to the Murrieta Public Library and the Corner Bookstore on Los Alamos Road.
Where: Town Square Bookstore, 8 Town Square, Murrieta; Corner Bookstore, 39445 Los Alamos Road, Murrieta
Kelly Lytle Hernández, Racist by Design: Two Centuries of U.S. Immigration Control — Saturday, Oct. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bordwell Park, 2008 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Riverside. Cellar Door and Riverside City Councilwoman Clarissa Cervantes are presenting the event featuring Hernández, a MacArthur Fellowship recipient and author of Bad Mexicans. Admission is free, with books available for purchase.
Phy-Sci Book Club — the Physical and Natural Science Book Club meets at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, with both in-person meetings at Cellar Door and a remote participation option. The October meeting falls Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Cellar Door also hosts a variety of recurring book clubs and community reading programs. Check the bookstore calendar for additional October dates and titles.
The Frugal Frigate in Redlands is an independent children's bookstore that also hosts storytimes, book clubs and literary events for readers of different ages.
Where: The Frugal Frigate, 9 N. Sixth St., Redlands
Saturday Storytime — Oct. 10, 17, 24 and 31 at 10:30 a.m. Books are geared primarily toward children ages 4 to 8, although all ages are welcome.
Heated Rivalry Craft & Reheat Party — Monday, Oct. 26, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event celebrates the deluxe paperback editions of Rachel Reid's Game Changers series with a viewing party, snacks and book-themed crafts.
The bookstore also hosts recurring fiction, romance and other themed book clubs. Readers should check the current calendar for meeting dates and selected titles.
Murder On A High Note at the Lit Bar: A D&D Experience — Friday, Oct. 9. The bookstore describes the event as an interactive Dungeons & Dragons murder mystery with live music.
Fantasy Book Club: Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir — Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 p.m.
Smut Book Club: Her Soul to Take by Harley LaRoux — Saturday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m.
A D&D Experience — Wednesday, Oct. 28. Get Lit hosts curated role-playing events with changing themes.
Thriller/Horror Book Club: Fabulous Bodies by Chuck Tingle — Friday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 p.m.