Justin Martin read from his newest book on the rise of bohemia in 19th century New York City during the launch of a reading series at Richmond Hill Library. Kate Bubacz/The Forum Newsgroup
“It’s nice to bring friends together to listen to good work,” Deborah Emin said during Monday’s launch of the first reading series at the Richmond Hill Library, where about 15 book lovers gathered in the basement auditorium to hear biographer Justin Martin and poet Liza Charlesworth share their work. The event was sponsored by The Friends of the Richmond Hill Library.
“Since we have no other libraries or bookstores in the area, this is very significant,” said Emin, who has led a similar event, Rez Readings, at a coffee shop in Kew Gardens for the past few years. That event has grown increasingly popular, and the new readings in Richmond Hill will be a welcome addition to the community.
“When people want to listen to people read their work, there’s no space for that. There’s a real hunger for it,” Emin said.
Martin, a biographer, read from his newest book on the rise of bohemia in New York City in the 1840s. His words transported the crowd out of the gray and pink basement in Queens and into the dark and smoky saloon in old Manhattan, filled with characters who will change the course of literary history. His wife, Liza Charlesworth, followed with a collection of poems on a wide range of topics, from personal histories to the struggle of young readers with words.
Charlesworth has done many readings before, but now mostly does them in the neighborhood. Of the Richmond Hill event, she said, “I liked the crowd, they were very attentive. At a library, you get people who love books.”
“I thought it was great to hear different works,” said Heidi Gurland, an audience member. She has lived in this neighborhood her whole life, but had not been to the library since she was a kid.
Charlesworth shared the same sentiment.
“Being here brought back memories of when I was 5 years old and going to the library,” the poet said.
Susan Garcia, another listener, said that her son got his first library card at the Richmond Hill library, a fond memory for her to recount. She had attended Rez Readings in the past, and heard about the new Richmond Hill readings from Emin.
“I really enjoyed it, and looking forward to more,” Garcia said.
The library and the Friends of Richmond Hill Library plan on hosting reading events every other month. The next reading will in January, when Masha Hamilton, the founder of the Afghan Women’s Writing Project, will share some of her work. Members of the community will be encouraged to participate by reading aloud excerpts of work from writers in Afghanistan, a marriage of cultures that Emin is looking forward to encouraging.
By Kate Bubacz
