Tatnuck event room helps build community
By David Bagdon Publisher

Cristina Guarino, 7, and her brother Philip, 9, of Northborough, visit with Santa at Tatnuck Bookseller, Gift Gallery and Café Dec. 1. Each child who came to see Santa received a free book. MARY PRITCHARD

Westborough - When the owners of Tatnuck Bookseller, Gift Gallery and Café made the decision to reinvent the store, they took a hard look at what this community wanted in a bookstore. The conclusion was that a bookstore can be much more than a place to simply buy books; it can be a cultural center for the community, where groups of all kinds can gather and people can immerse themselves in the literary world.

To this end, Tatnuck established an event room that would host a wide variety of events free of charge to nonprofit groups and business organizations. In any given week the room hosts events such as educational seminars, community groups, business meetings and cultural events.

According to General Manager Charles Napoleon, interest in the room is increasing weekly.

"I'm amazed at how many people are expressing an interest in using the room," Napoleon said. "From groups to churches to local authors … It's great. We're just glad that we can serve as a catalyst to get people together. Tatnuck is a true community bookstore and that means so much to people."

In addition to the various meetings conducted there, the Tatnuck event room has hosted dozens of author events. Although many of these are through larger publishing houses, the majority are local authors who are looking to make a connection with their readers.

For example, on Saturday Dec. 8, well-known author Eve LaPlante will be arriving at 4 p.m. to discuss her new book, "Salem Witch Judge." LaPlante has a great local following and has captivated Tatnuck audiences in the past.

"It's so wonderful to have all these author events," Napoleon said. "Not only does it provide a great avenue for the authors to discuss their books but it's also a bonus for local readers. I can't think of another way that these people would all get together if not for the event room."

The event room is also a place to view artwork created in various mediums. Through a special arrangement with the Westborough Gallery, the event room hosts a perpetual exhibit of works by local artists. Over the past sev- eral months, these exhibits have included photographic works, paintings and pottery. The current exhibit for example is titled "Pottery, Tapestry, Watercolor: Three Mediums, One Artist," works by local artist Carol Mecagni.

Napoleon was quick to extend an invitation to any community groups seeking a meeting place.

"We want people in the community to know that this is their room and that we want them to take advantage of it," he said. "It's the type of thing that sets us apart."

For more information and to find out about the availability of the Tatnuck event room, send e-mail to tatnuckevents@ yahoo.com.