Below is the text of the remarks I made at this morning’s grand opening of the Bookmarks bookstore and community gathering space. Whether you live in Winston-Salem or elsewhere, be sure to stop by and visit this amazing space and check out the great literary events happening there all year round.

My name is Charlie Lovett and I am the president of the board of directors of Bookmarks, Winston-Salem’s literary non-profit. On behalf of the board, our staff, and our volunteers, I’d like to welcome you to the grand opening of Bookmarks’ new home. The building you’re about to experience is so much more than a bookstore. This is a gathering space to form community around the literary arts.