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.