What to Expect

The Read Up is Birdie Books’ new expert-led social series bringing together curious minds, meaningful conversation, and community connection.

Enjoy a 45 minute thought-provoking lecture with a variety of local leaders, educators, authors, and more!

Inspired by community centered conversations and shared curiosity, each event features a guest speaker sharing insights on culture, books, creativity, current issues, and beyond — all in an approachable, welcoming atmosphere.

Lecture Topic

More than Books by Danny Caine

Join author, poet, and former independent bookstore owner Danny Caine for a timely conversation on book bans, freedom to read, and the broader cultural movements shaping access to literature today. Drawing from his work including How to Defend Books and Why, Danny explores how book bans have become part of a larger authoritarian playbook — and why protecting diverse stories and independent spaces matters more than ever. Thought provoking, accessible, and deeply relevant, this discussion will also highlight the real ways communities can push back and protect the future of reading.

All ticket proceeds will benefit Authors Against Book Bans.