The Social Book Exchange may be the only event in Centretown this November where bibliophiles can discuss Hemingway over a pint of beer and support a good cause at the same time.
Nov. 17, Oz Kafe and Antique Skate Shop will collaborate to host a book club-style event, in which a portion of all beer sales will help fund the new skateboard park to be built at the corner of Bronson and Gladstone avenues.
Oz Kafe is the creation of owner Ozlem Balpinar, who wanted to design a place of cultural vibrancy that could serve good meals in Ottawa’s downtown core well into the night. For Aaron Cayer, owner of Antique Skate Shop, it was the perfect spot to host a book exchange.
The two business owners have successfully hosted the event in the past, but this time they are hoping to raise money for 1 square foot, a fundraiser for the development of the new skateboard park that will replace the lawn-bowling green at McNabb Park.
The park will be Ottawa’s only downtown skateboard park, despite the downtown area being a hub for skateboarders, according to Cayer.
The city fund allotted to design and build the park will only cover 7,000 square feet of a possible 13,000, according to the Ottawa Skateboard Community Association. Supporters of the 1 square foot campaign are hoping to raise $200,000 to make the park reach its full potential, by purchasing one square foot of the park at a time. Each square foot costs $40.
Antique Skate Shop will be participating in several events throughout November as part of Support Local Month, a campaign led by not-for-profit organization, Aparmtent613.
The campaign encourages local businesses and artists to work together to host events. Support Local co-ordinator Karen Diepeveen says the campaign began in 2011 with 36 participants and about 20 events. This November, over 136 participants will take part in over 70 events.
“There is a real spirit of support in the city between businesses and artists, and Support Local gives Ottawans a chance to experience this collaborative nature firsthand,” says Diepeveen.
Cayer says they are excited to be hosting The Social Book Exchange as part of Support Local Month for the first time and using it as an opportunity for a fundraiser.
Nov. 17, beginning at 9 p.m., participants will bring a book that they have read with them to the Oz Kafe, located on Elgin Street. Each person will get a nametag with the title of his or her book and the books will be placed on a table. They can then choose a book from the table and find the person with the matching nametag.
Balpinar says they will clear out the furniture in the front room of her restaurant and create a fun cocktail-style party including a DJ and appetizers supplied by the restaurant.
“It’s a really clever way to interact,” says Balpinar. “There are all these conversations going around about literature and art. It’s really wonderful.”
Those interested can find more information about this and other Support Local events at apt613.ca.