Editor,
I do not remember exactly when I heard that Books in Bloom was not happening. Of course, I knew it was cancelled last year because May was cancelled last year. And in maintaining Covid preventive measures, I assumed that it was again. But no, Books in Bloom is gone.
I am not sure how one grieves an event. There’s no memorial, song or service – and that seems remiss. A lot of history took place on those Sunday afternoons. It was the victory laps of people like Fred Hopkins and Doug Stowe, moving chairs, erecting tents and managing the shuttle. It was the County Library Boards making cookies to sell. It was volunteers and book lovers galore. Great was everyone and everything.
The conservatory sessions brought the discovery of yet another author, who might be a great speaker or might not be. The tents brought the discovery of yet another author, most of whom were captivating, prompting an immediate or future book purchase.
It was Elise Roenigk allowing the event to overtake the Crescent Hotel with fans, smiles and book totes. That she purchased at least one book of every participating author was a second generous gesture.
It was enjoying the sunshine or struggling to get around in the crowded hotel lobby on rainy days. Meeting the wonderful writers was such a literary bonus, a Eureka bonus. There are book fairs in other cities and other states. But this one was the best literary picnic, overlooking the hills and surrounded by spring.
One can only imagine the organization required to mount this event. It must have been exhausting, frustrating and always subject to change—even beyond the weather. Jean Elderwind and Lin Wellford are to be congratulated for arranging it, year after year after year.
With their retirement, Books in Bloom is no longer a perennial. It makes one grateful and wistful at the same time. They produced splendid.
Lucilla Garrett on behalf of the Carnegie Library Board