Name: Babies in the Bookstore
Start: 2025-07-31T10:30:00-04:00
Location: The Purple Couch Bookshop

The Purple Couch Bookshop

We love Thursdays! There aren’t a lot of opportunities for moms and caregivers to meet and socialize with their little ones. While Rocco’s Reading Room is always available for visits, the Purple Couch would like to fill that gap by providing the time and the soft space filled with some toys and board books for little ones to explore, giving moms and caregivers an opportunity to connect.

Local Event: Babies in the Bookstore

Essex County

Chris Rhatigan 

Boston Metropolitan Area

North Andover

Massachusetts

Babies in the Bookstore

We love Thursdays! There aren’t a lot of opportunities for moms and caregivers to meet and socialize with their little ones....

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fiction-book-club-is-this-a-cry-for-help-by-emily-austin-tickets-1985306324660?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT</a>
Emily Austin, the bestselling “queen of darkly quirky, endearingly flawed heroines” (Sarah Haywood, author of&nbsp;The Cactus), returns with a luminous new novel following a librarian who comes back to work after a mental breakdown only to confront book-banning crusaders in an empowering story of grief, love, and the power of libraries.
Darcy’s life turned out better than she could have ever imagined. She is a librarian at the local branch, while her wife Joy runs a book binding service. Between the two of them, there is no more room on their shelves with their ample book collections, various knickknacks and bobbles, and dried bouquets. Rounding out their ideal life is two cats and a sun-soaked house by the lake.
But when Darcy receives the news that her ex-boyfriend, Ben, has passed away, she spirals into a pit of guilt and regret, resulting in a mental breakdown and medical leave from the library. When she returns to work, she is met by unrest in her community and protests surrounding intellectual freedom, resulting in a call for book bans and a second look at the branch’s upcoming DEI programs.
Through the support of her community, colleagues, and the personal growth that results from examining her previous relationships, Darcy comes into her own agency and the truest version of herself.&nbsp;Is&nbsp;This a Cry for Help?&nbsp;not only offers a moving portrait of queer life after coming of age but also powerfully explores questions about sexuality, community, and the importance of libraries.

Local Event: Fiction Book Club – Is This A Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

Fiction Book Club – Is This A Cry for Help? by...


CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT
Emily Austin, the bestselling “queen of darkly quirky, endearingly flawed heroines” (Sarah...

Fiction Book Club – Is This A Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

Andover Baptist Church

Take a journey with artist James Dargan, where he centers female composers through a music and spoken word celebration!
Artist James Dargan presents his Passion Program “Ladies Only” that celebrates little known female composers from the 19th century to the present. It is music composed by women, many of whom are all too often spoken of in connection with the men in their lives. Each Passion Program combines music and spoken word to take audiences on a journey that speaks to a specific social theme with music of different genres, interwoven with commentary on how they connect to our own lives.
James is an accomplished baritone, composer and violinist based in New York City. He has been a musician since he was a child, and has shared his voice and carefully curated programs all over the US and Europe. James also teaches on spirituals and other African American music, and is honored to walk in his family tradition of telling truthful stories. He also preaches and leads church services, including at North Parish of North Andover and UU Haverhill.
The concert is FREE and sponsored by the North Andover African American History Committee and Andover Baptist Church. The concert will be dedicated to Alice Hinton (1869-1951), a successful Andover businesswoman, concert organizer, and musician, who performed at Andover Baptist Church. For more information, and to reserve a seat:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ladies-only-concert-by-artist-james-dargan-tickets-1986591006177?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">eventbrite.com/e/ladies-only-concert-by-artist-james-dargan-tickets-1986591006177?aff=oddtdtcreator</a>

Local Event: “Ladies Only” Concert  by artist James Dargan

“Ladies Only” Concert  by artist James Dargan

Take a journey with artist James Dargan, where he centers female composers through a music and spoken word celebration!
Artist...

North Andover Senior Center 481 Sutton Street North Andover MA

This presentation will focus on Iran’s modern history, especially the last 100 years, beginning with the rule of Reza Shah, from 1921-1941, the Anglo- Soviet invasion of 1941, the short rule of the democratically elected Premier Mohammed Mosaddegh, ousted by the CIA and the British MI5, the rule of the pro- American Shah Pahlavi from 1953-1979, the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the seizure of the American embassy in Tehran, the Iran-Iraq War from 1980-1988, the Khomeimi Era, and the current war between Iran , the U.S, Israel and allied power.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Local Event: Iran the last 100 Years

Iran the last 100 Years

This presentation will focus on Iran’s modern history, especially the last 100 years, beginning with the rule of Reza Shah,...

Join our Horror Book Club as we discuss ITCH! by Gemma Amor.

Something moves on the forest floor . . .
<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/horror-book-club-itch-by-gemma-amor-tickets-1984574561938?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT</a>
Josie is at rock bottom. Burned out, heartbroken and recovering from an abusive relationship, she lives a haunted existence after returning to her isolated hometown on the edge of the Forest of Dean.
But the tall, dense pine trees are not the only things casting shadows across her skin.
Josie’s hopes of a fresh start are horribly derailed when she stumbles across a dead woman’s decaying, ant-infested body in the woods. The grim discovery sends her into a downward spiral, forcing her to face uncomfortable truths about the victim and her own past – all whilst battling the swarming black ants that seem to have burrowed into her mind . . . and her flesh.
As Josie struggles with infestations of all kinds, she scratches the surface of an age-old mystery – a masked predator stalks the forest around Ellwood, a place deeply gripped by ancient folklore and strange customs. So when the village dresses up for its annual festival, Josie gets closer and closer to unveiling a monster, and begins to ask herself:
Are these dark crawling insects leading her to uncover the truth? Or is she their next victim?

Local Event: Horror Book Club – ITCH! by Gemma Amor

Horror Book Club – ITCH! by Gemma Amor

Join our Horror Book Club as we discuss ITCH! by Gemma Amor.

Something moves on the forest floor . . .
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE...

Andover Choral Society directed by Matthew Buono and New England Classical Singers directed by David Hodgkins&nbsp;present "Songs of Freedom", a musical celebration of our nation's 250th Anniversary. The concert offers an exploration of choral music created at pivotal times in American history, from the 1700s to the 21st&nbsp;century. Themes of peace, conflict, gallantry, pioneering, and enduring hope resonate throughout this program – all presented by two of the Merrimack Valley’s most beloved choral groups. This special performance features a guest appearance by The Danvers Alarm List Company, an 18th-century living history reenactment group, creating a unique patriotic experience.&nbsp;Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $10 for students. To purchase tickets&nbsp;or to learn more, please visit andoverchoralsociety.org or newenglandclassical.org. &nbsp;South Church is located at 41 Central Street, Andover, MA, and is handicapped accessible. Off-street parking is available.
Andover Choral Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting exceptional performances, connecting with the larger community, and fostering an appreciation of choral music. The chorus typically performs two concerts per year, singing a repertoire that ranges from Baroque-era masterpieces to contemporary choral works. Since 1929, membership has been open to anyone with a passion for great choral music and a desire to share it with others. For more information, please visit andoverchoralsociety.org.
New England Classical Singers is an auditioned choral chamber ensemble of 25 voices that performs significant choral works from a variety of centuries and styles. Founded in 1968 as the North Reading Choral Society, NECS is now based in Andover MA, drawing its members from communities of the Merrimack Valley and beyond. For more information, please visit newenglandclassical.org.

Local Event: Andover Choral Society and New England Classical Singers Spring Concert

Andover Choral Society and New England...

Andover Choral Society directed by Matthew Buono and New England Classical Singers directed by David Hodgkins present "Songs of...

Andover Choral Society and New England Classical Singers Spring Concert

With traditional book clubs there’s the scramble to finish the selected book, and the pressure to have something smart to say. Wouldn’t it be great to have a book club where you could just enjoy books and friends —without any homework?
At Silent Book Club, there’s no assigned reading. All readers are welcome—ebooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books… it’s BYOBook. Join us at the Purple Couch Bookshop to socialize from 6:00-6:30pm. Staff will be on hand to help you find a great read if you need one. Then, from 6:30-7:30, pick a spot and read whatever makes you happy. The store will stay open until 8:00pm for those who need to finish one more chapter or are ready to find their next great book.
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Local Event: Silent Book Club

Silent Book Club

With traditional book clubs there’s the scramble to finish the selected book, and the pressure to have something smart to say....

Don't miss this special musical event featuring jazz/blues/r&amp;b stalwarts, Soggy Po' Boys, performing in concert with Della Mae powerhouse lead singer, Celia Woodsmith. At the Crossroads Music Series listening room in North Andover, MA!The Soggy Po' Boys, native to New England, have quickly become an institution. Exploring the vast musical traditions of New Orleans and expanding their repertoire to look beyond NOLA jazz, the band includes traditional Caribbean tunes, as well as Meters funk, soul, and brass/band street music. They spread the good news of New Orleans music across the northeast and beyond, wherever the party requires. 
The band is joined for this special show by Grammy nominated singer, songwriter and percussionist, Celia Woodsmith. She is the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for the acclaimed all-female string band, Della Mae, and also fronts the Boston-based rock and roll band, Say Darling. With a voice described by The Bluegrass Situation as “bold and brazen,” Woodsmith brings unfiltered energy to every performance—delivering songs that are steeped in grit and soul.
"The Soggy Po' Boys seem genuine in their ambition to spread the word about jazz New Orleans style, and they're creating an accessible and fun way into this world."
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; London Jazz News&nbsp;

Local Event: Soggy Po' Boys with Celia Woodsmith in concert

Soggy Po' Boys with Celia Woodsmith in concert

Don't miss this special musical event featuring jazz/blues/r&b stalwarts, Soggy Po' Boys, performing in concert with Della Mae...

Andover

Middlesex County

North Reading

Tewksbury

Wilmington

Reading

Lynnfield

Scott Souza

Danvers

Rockingham County

Tony Schinella

Salem

New Hampshire

Peabody

Wakefield

Choose an Austin Prep Education Rooted in Augustinian Values

Austin Preparatory School

Austin Preparatory School, located in Reading, Massachusetts, is an independent Catholic prep school rooted in the Augustinian tradition. Serving students in grades 6 through 12, Austin Prep has cultivated a close-knit learning community since its founding in 1961. Guided by its mission to inspire hearts to unite, minds to inquire, and hands to serve, the school challenges students through a rigorous college preparatory program that includes honors and Advanced Placement courses, personalized instruction, and intentionally small classes. An Austin Prep education is preparation for the journey of life. Beyond academics, the school’s unwritten curriculum – the lived expression of veritas, unitas, and caritas (truth, unity, and love) – forms the heart of its mission. “At Austin Prep, we are on a journey that is life-changing and important,” says Head of School James Hickey, Ph.D. “Our patron, St. Augustine, embarked on a journey for the truth. At our core is an institution on the same journey, committed to exemplary teaching and learning.” Serving grades 6–12 under one roof allows this leading prep school to guide students through every stage of development—academic, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual. Community stands at the center of this experience, nurturing belonging and inspiring students to lead lives of purpose. Austin Prep athletics teams, competing in the New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), are recognized among the best north of Boston, reflecting the same drive and integrity found in the classroom. Nearly every graduate continues on to a four-year college, prepared not only for success in higher education but for a meaningful life shaped by faith, friendship, and service.

Austin Preparatory School, located in Reading, Massachusetts, is an independent Catholic prep school rooted in the Augustinian tradition. Serving...

We Protect Home Buyers – Exclusive Buyer Agents

Buyers Brokers Only

We protect Greater Boston home buyers in a seller-focused industry by providing trusted advice and helping avoid costly mistakes all the way home. We understand you may feel overwhelmed and nervous about buying a home. It's a big decision. Home buyers deserve a trusted, patient, and loyal advocate who has their best interests in mind. Home buyers should not have to question their real estate agent's loyalty. You deserve 100 percent loyalty 100 percent of the time. Buyers Brokers Only puts clients before commissions, having helped more than 2,000 home-buying consumers purchase more than $1 billion in residential real estate and avoid costly mistakes over over 20 years. Search "Buyers Brokers Only reviews" to hear what our clients say about us. Learn more: https://www.buyersbrokersonly.com/ Home Buyer Guide: https://info.buyersbrokersonly.com/guide-to-the-home-buying-process-massachusetts

Benjamin Pierce

Melrose

We protect Greater Boston home buyers in a seller-focused industry by providing trusted advice and helping avoid costly mistakes all the way home....

Summer Soccer Camp: Belmont, Wayland, Wilmington, Tewksbury

Champion Soccer School

K-12 summer soccer camps in Wayland, Wilmington, Tewksbury, and Belmont MA. Features: Sportsmanship: Our camp culture prizes sportsmanship, highlighted by our daily sportsperson awards and weekly CSS Cup. Skill Development: Ball control, possession, finishing, team tactical training, and multi-themed camps. Campers receive evaluations weekly, and parents receive daily photos and updates of training. Home Grown: We are run by established, credentialed local teachers and coaches. Many CSS campers are accepted into our CIT program and become coaches. Affordable: $315 per week (Elite Camp $350); 3-week player development pass: $270/week 5- to 8-week player development pass ~$200 per week, Multi-Sport camp: $285/week; $2,000 for 10-week summer pass CSS Camper Gear: All campers receive a custom-designed ball and a dri-fit shirt.

K-12 summer soccer camps in Wayland, Wilmington, Tewksbury, and Belmont MA. Features: Sportsmanship: Our camp culture prizes sportsmanship,...

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Babies in the Bookstore

Event Details

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Fiction Book Club – Is This A Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

APR

23

7:00 PM

The Purple Couch Bookshop, 350 Winthrop Ave, North Andover, MA

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APR

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Andover Baptist Church, 7 Central St, Andover, MA

Iran the last 100 Years

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Horror Book Club – ITCH! by Gemma Amor

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41 Central St, Andover, MA