Asheville Reading Party Halloween Edition: Come in Character

Reading is better together.

Join Otterpine and Character Study for a cozy, introvert-friendly evening of books, quiet reading, and community held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month.

Think of it as your twice-monthly reading ritual: a reason to leave the house, set aside distractions, and spend time among neighbors who love books as much as you do. Come alone or with a friend. Either way, you’ll be reading in great company.

Bring whatever you’re currently reading—a novel, non-fiction, poetry collection, comic, magazine, or e-reader. Prefer audiobooks? Bring headphones and, if you’d like, a quiet craft such as knitting, embroidery, or sketching.

Settle into Character Study’s cozy, book-filled space, order a literary-inspired cocktail or mocktail, and enjoy uninterrupted reading alongside fellow book lovers. Need something to read? Browse the curated selection of used books from Bagatelle Books available on the shelves.

We’ll begin with time to grab a drink, browse the books, find a seat, and meet fellow readers. Then we’ll read quietly together for an hour before opening the room back up for optional conversation, book recommendations, and new connections.

There’s no assigned reading, no homework, and no pressure to socialize. Come to meet other readers, quietly enjoy their company, or simply spend the evening immersed in your book.

Come in Character (Optional Halloween Costume Contest)

For this Halloween edition of our Reading Party, you’re invited to come in character. Dress as a character from a favorite book, and bring the book that inspired your costume!

The first five costumed readers to sign up for the contest will receive a complimentary drink courtesy of Otterpine, and the first ten people will receive a very cute Otterpine enamel pin. Prizes for the costume contest include a $50 gift card to Malaprop's, a $50 gift card to A Thousand Loves Bookshop, a $25 gift card to Character Study, bragging rights, and more!

Costumes are completely optional. Dress up or come as you are. Either way, bring something to read, and prepare for an otterly good time.

Registration

Registration is highly recommended. It helps us plan for the evening and allows us to send you a reminder with event updates and details about anything special we have planned. Registration does not reserve a seat. Space and seating are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Schedule

5:30–6:00 PM
Arrive, browse the books, grab a drink, and settle in.

6:00–7:00 PM
Quiet reading, listening, or crafting.

7:00 PM onward
Keep reading, chat with fellow readers, exchange book recommendations, or head home—whatever feels right to you.

What to Bring

• A book, e-reader, magazine, or audiobook
• Headphones if you’re listening to an audiboook or prefer to enjoy your own music while you read
• An optional quiet craft
• Maybe a book-loving friend!

Community Book Swap

Our community book swap is now part of every Reading Party. Bring one or two books you’re ready to pass along, add them to the table, and take home the same number of books that catch your eye. Participation is completely optional, and any books left behind will return for the next swap.

A Little Something Extra

Each Reading Party will feature a little surprise celebrating Asheville’s literary and local community—from cute merch to raffles featuring books by local authors, gift cards from neighborhood businesses, drink tickets, and other treats.

Hosted by Otterpine, an independent Asheville small press celebrating books and the communities that grow around them, and Character Study, West Asheville's literary-themed neighborhood cocktail bar, where literature and libations intertwine.