Open Mic Book Exchange w/ New York Black and African Literature Festival

Join P&T Knitwear and the for a lively Open Mic Book Exchange, where books become an invitation to connect, share, and discover something new.

Bring a book from home or pick one up at the bookstore when you arrive. During the open mic, participants will have the opportunity to share a favorite passage, read a poem that connects to their book, or simply tell us why the book matters to them. You don't need to be a writer or performer, just someone who loves books and wants to share one.

After everyone has had a chance to share, we'll open up the book exchange. Choose a book based on what you've heard, what catches your attention, or a story that resonates with your current season of life.

Come ready to talk about books, discover new ones, and meet fellow readers. You might arrive with a favorite and leave with your next one.

Housekeeping notes:

• The open mic portion of the night begins at 5:15pm.
• Tickets are $5, and are available both on eventbrite and at the store.
• Come early and grab a drink from the P&T Cafe!

FAQ's

Do I need to bring a book?
No! You’re welcome to bring a book from home, but you can also purchase one at P&T Knitwear when you arrive and participate with that book.

What kind of book should I bring?
Bring a book you love, a book that stayed with you, or simply one you think someone else would enjoy. Fiction, poetry, nonfiction, essays, and other genres are all welcome.

What do I share on the mic?
You can read a favorite passage, share a poem that connects to the book or the version of yourself you were when you found it, or simply tell us what you love about it and why you think someone else might enjoy it.

How does the book exchange work?
After the open mic, everyone who brought or purchased a book will have the opportunity to exchange it. You can choose a book based on what other participants shared or simply pick one that catches your eye

When should I arrive?
Doors open at 4:30 PM, and we encourage guests to arrive then rather than waiting until the program begins. Arriving early will give you time to browse and shop at P&T Knitwear, get settled, and fill out a special note slip to leave inside your book for its next reader.