Wilmington shop to host book reading benefiting Cape Fear Literacy Council

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A local record and book shop is bringing together literature, music, and community for a special event supporting literacy efforts in the Cape Fear region.

The Fuzzy Needle will host New York City–based author Laurie Gwen Shapiro for an evening reading and discussion centered on her latest book, The Aviator and the Showman. The work offers a reexamination of Amelia Earhart, focusing on the decade-long marriage that helped shape the famed aviator’s life and career.

Following the reading, Shapiro will participate in a Q&A moderated by John Jeremiah Sullivan, Southern Editor for The Paris Review. The event will also feature a live musical performance by Wilmington artist Julia Rothenberger, adding a local creative element to the evening.

Shop owner Tim Jarman said the event reflects the space’s mission to foster meaningful, shared experiences.

“Events like this are really at the heart of what we’re trying to create at The Fuzzy Needle,” Jarman said. “We want the shop to be a place where stories, music, and people can come together in a way that feels real and shared.”

The Fuzzy Needle, a Wilmington-based shop specializing in vinyl records, books, and ephemera, has become known for its welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere. Organizers say the event aims to build on that spirit while supporting a local cause.

Admission is $10, with all proceeds benefiting the Cape Fear Literacy Council, which provides literacy and educational services in the region.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with music beginning at 7 p.m. The author reading and discussion will follow, and the evening will conclude with a live DJ set. Light refreshments will be available.

Advance ticket purchases are encouraged, as organizers expect the event to sell out. For ticket information, attendees can contact the venue directly.