Q: What is Bookmarks?
A: Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit that cultivates community by bringing people of all ages together with books and authors who educate, inspire, challenge, and entertain. Read more about the history of Bookmarks here.
Q: What makes Bookmarks different from other bookstores?
A: Bookmarks is more than an independent bookstore. First and foremost, Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit that strives to cultivate community through books and authors. That goal is accomplished through increasing access to books for children and adults across our community, as well as providing opportunities for people to be educated, inspired, challenged, and entertained.
Q: What does it mean to be a literary arts nonprofit?
A: Our nonprofit organization was born from the annual Festival of Books & Authors and has grown to year-round programming and an independent bookstore. The bookstore is a program of the organization, just as the festival is. All funds raised through donations, sponsorships, and grants combine with any proceeds netted from book sales to support our outreach and programming.
Q: Why do you ask for donations?
A: Bookmarks’ programming is funded through donations, grants, sponsorships, and profits from the bookstore. Donations help cover the cost of events, which includes venue rentals, audiovisual fees, food & drinks, books, and staff time. However, donations also support Bookmarks’ other outreach efforts, such as our Authors in Schools program and Book with Purpose.
Q: How can I find out about upcoming events?
A: Check out our events calendar, sign up for our e-newsletter, follow us on social media, or visit the bookstore to find out more information about upcoming events.
Q: Why are some events paid and others free?
A: While we often host events that are at no cost to attendees, no event is completely free to host. When deciding what price, if any, to charge for an event, we take several factors into account. These include staff labor (before, during, and after the event), venue rentals and associated fees, any food & drink, and book prices. Charging ticket prices for some events allows us to maintain our high quality programming while also giving us the freedom to offer free events as well.
Q: How do you choose a venue for an event?
A: Bookmarks uses a variety of venues for our events, including the bookstore. The venue is chosen based on its ability to meet the needs and vision for an event. Factors include rental cost, availability, maximum capacity, accessibility, and proximity to the downtown area.
Q: Does each member of my party need to register separately?
A: Yes. Each person who wishes to attend an event must register separately. We must abide by maximum capacity allowances for each venue, and we want to ensure event spaces are accessible and safe for attendees.
Q: How do I cancel my registration?
A: You can cancel your registration for a free event through your Eventbrite account. Follow this link for specific instructions, or email us at events@bookmarksnc.org if you can no longer attend.
Q: I purchased a ticket but can no longer attend the event. Can I request a refund?
A: Bookmarks cannot offer refunds on ticket purchases, including tickets that come with a book. Please contact us at events@bookmarksnc.org and let us know if you can no longer attend so that we may offer your seat to someone on the waitlist. You will still receive your event book, which you can pick up at the Bookmarks bookstore or have it shipped to you. Event books left unclaimed after 30 days will be donated to the community.
Q: I purchased a ticket but missed the event. When can I pick up my event book?
A: You will receive a follow-up email with instructions on how and when to pick up your event book. Most often, unclaimed event books can be picked up the next day at the Bookmarks bookstore. If you would like your event book shipped to you, fill out the form at this link to provide your address and pay for shipping costs.
Q: I can't make it to this event. How can I get a signed copy of the author's book?
A: In some cases, there is an opportunity to order a signed book for an upcoming event. Check out the Upcoming Event Books catalog to see what is available. Please note that these books will not be personalized and that this option is not available for every event.
Q: How can I request accommodations for my disability?
A: To ask questions about accessibility or request accommodations, please contact Bookmarks at events@bookmarksnc.org or (336) 747-1471 x1001. At least two weeks' notice will allow us to provide the best experience possible for you and your guests.
Q: I’m coming from out of town for an event. Where should I stay?
A: Check out our friends at Visit Winston-Salem for information on hotels, restaurants, and other places to visit in the area.
Have another question that isn’t answered on this page? Email events@bookmarksnc.org for more information.
Event Policies
Please Note: Bookmarks cannot be held responsible for changes to an author's schedule and cannot guarantee that books will be signed by the author, either before or after an event.
Please note that views and opinions expressed by event participants may not reflect the mission and values of Bookmarks.
By registering and attending this event, you agree to have your email address added to our newsletter distribution list. You may opt out at any time.
Please be advised that by attending this event your photograph or image may be taken in connection with Bookmarks. To opt out, please see a staff member. As such, you agree to relinquish any reasonable expectation of privacy and understand that the use of your image does not violate any right of privacy, law regulation, or agreement. Moreover, you hereby grant permission to Bookmarks and its representatives to use, or authorize others to use, any photographic, motion picture, image, or recording, or other record of your participation in activities in connection with Bookmarks, in whole or in part, throughout the universe in perpetuity, in all media and means, now known or hereafter developed or discovered, solely for promotional and related purposes. Recordings made by parties not approved by Bookmarks are not permitted at any event.
Please be aware of our Code of Conduct: Bookmarks has a zero tolerance policy for harassment of any kind, in person, online, or on social media, including but not limited to: Stalking; intimidation; offensive verbal comments; physical assault and/or battery; harassing or non-consensual photography or recording; sustained disruption of programs, panels, signings, and other events; bathroom policing; inappropriate physical contact; and unwelcome physical attention, in relation to, but not limited to: race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender presentation, sexual orientation, age, body size, ability, appearance, religion, citizenship, pregnancy. If a person engages in harassing behavior, Bookmarks Staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including but not limited to expulsion from the Bookmarks sponsored event or premises. If removed from the event, you will not receive a refund of any kind.