Celebrate Aging with Pride t-shirts are now available at Werner Books and Coffee in the Liberty Plaza (3608 Liberty Street).  Local artist Kem Brazda created this colorful design to celebrate older members of the LGBTQIA+ community. T-shirts are available in purple or black, in sizes ranging from small to 5X extra large, and are priced at $25 each. Proceeds benefit Aging with Pride, an organization of senior LGBT+ members and allies that develops and sponsors social/recreational, and educational events to promote healthy leisure activities, community, and an active, enjoyable lifestyle.

On Saturday, November 15, at noon, Aging With Pride will host a Medicare Fraud Presentation by Senior Medicare Patrol at Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA. Please join guest speaker Monica Vanderhoof of Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for a special presentation on Medicare Fraud Awareness and Prevention. Medicare loses nearly $100 billion a year to fraud, which affects YOUR premium costs and access to care. Join SMP to fight back! 

Out of care and concern for our neighbors who may be facing food uncertainty this season, Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie PA, is distributing food to the little free pantries around Erie during the months of November and December. They invite you to bring in nonperishable contributions to help fill little free pantries around town, which can be dropped off in the basket located in the cafe. They are forever grateful to the Erie community for always taking care of their neighbors during times of need.

Aging With Pride gathered for their monthly book club on Saturday, October 18, at Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA 16508. October's book selection was Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. Steve led a lively discussion that covered several topics. Next up on November 15 is Lamb, The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal by Christopher Moore. Aging With Pride Book Club meets on the third Saturday of the month at Werner Books. Members pick out which book to read.

Aging with Pride likes to acknowledge individuals and/or businesses who demonstrate their commitment to assisting the "seasoned" members of the LGBTQ+ Community. On October 9, 2025, AWP presented this Recognition Award to the owners and staff of Werner Books & Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA 16508. The entire staff of this establishment has warmly welcomed AWP and hosts our monthly Game Night, Monthly Book Club, and other special events for AWP and other LGBTQ+ groups. Shout out to Kyle Churman and his wife, Lauren Shoemaker, owners of Werner Books & Coffee!

Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty Street, Erie, PA, is hosting a DIY Pride Craft Night on Wednesday, June 26, from 5 to 7:30 PM. They are inviting folks to get ready for Pride with us. You can personalize your own buttons, signs, clothes, and other essentials! Some materials are provided, but they also encourage you to bring your own! Have fun and be creative in getting ready for Pride on the Bay at Liberty Park on Saturday, June 29.

On November 18, Aging With Pride had their book club meeting at Werner Books and Coffee, 3608 Liberty St, Erie, PA. The group discussed John Rechy’s City of Night. Book club is on the third Saturday of each month at 1 PM.

On October 19-21, Compton's Table held a book fair at their studio in collaboration with local bookshop Werner Books. The owners and staff at Werner Books curated a thoughtful selection of titles centering queer voices and experiences, including many books that have been challenged or banned from schools and public libraries. The event also included a special family-friendly story hour featuring local drag artist Alysin Wonderland.

Looking for a warm and friendly place for new and used books? Try Werner Books, 3514 Liberty Street, Erie, PA 16508, in the Liberty Plaza. I talked with Kyle Churman, who, along with his wife, Lauren Shoemaker, purchased Werner Books in March of 2022. They wanted to create a community space in Erie where anyone could come in and feel comfortable. They have added three book clubs to the already existing Wednesday Morning Book Club, which meets at Warner Books, offering a discount to members on the chosen books. Added were the Canalside Book Club, which meets at the Hagan History Center, the Books, and Beers Book Club, which meets at Erie Ale Works, and the Three Tulips Yarn Company Books Club, which meets at Werner Books. A fifth book club, the Aging with Pride Book Club, will begin meeting in May at Werner Books. For more information on these book clubs and other events, visit their website at www.wernerbooks.com.