Book Talk Book Talk (May 04, 2005)

A FOND FARWELL . . . Wessex Books on Santa Cruz Avenue in Menlo Park will close its doors sometime later this month after selling used books and records for 30 years. Owner Tom Haydon said the decision to close came because "after three decades of running a retail business seven days a week, I needed a break and a change." Haydon hoped to find someone interested in taking over the business "but no one wanted my job, the hours, and the pay." Wessex has been able to build a national reputation for its stock, which is now part of the "deconstruction sale" of 50 percent off, while the books and records last.

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY . . . Just across the way from Wessex in Menlo Park, Kepler's Books & Magazines is celebrating its 50th birthday this month. Kepler's will hold a birthday bash from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, with all books 20 percent off. There's a whole slew of party events, including a kids' sing-a-long, jazz, raffle prizes, author visits, and more (see www.keplers.com).

AUTHOR, AUTHOR . . . Two recently published poets will read at 7:30 p.m. May 13 at ART21 gallery, 539 Alma St., Palo Alto. Maria Benet will read from "Mapmaker of Absences" and Gerald Fleming will read from "Swimmer Climbing onto Shore." Refreshments will be served.

Items for Book Talk may be sent by the last Wednesday of the month to Don Kazak, Title Pages editor, Palo Alto Weekly, P.O. Box 1610, Palo Alto, CA 94302 or e-mailed to dkazak@paweekly.com.

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