Reading Den creating a “sexy literary scene” at one of Denver’s coolest bars

Monday, February. 26, 2024

Sexiness sells. But outside of steamy romance novels, how does that apply to literature? What’s the carnal thrust of listening to someone read — even at a bar, where flirtatious glances rain from the ceiling?

You’d be surprised.

“Part of the magic of reading a book is in the sharing that happens afterward, when you recommend it to a friend or you talk to someone about what you loved or hated about it,” said Amanda Boldenow, co-owner of the newly opened Spell Books in Littleton. “I would agree that we definitely need more literary community here, though, and in a fun, unstuffy way.”

Enter Reading Den, a free, monthly series debuting Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Globeville’s hip Fort Greene bar. The goal is to “shift Denver to a more sexy literary scene like NYC or LA,” creators Adam Vitcavage and Sarah Ann Noel said.

A laidback, youthful watering hole seems like a great starting point.

“Denver needs a place where writers and readers can come together to build a community that isn’t tied to a bookstore or an MFA program or writing workshop,” said Vitcavage, a former events coordinator for the Tattered Cover.

As a literary critic and owner of Debutiful, a site that supports first-time authors, Vitcavage also understands the value of attracting the lit-curious — those who might happen upon a reading, only to grab a seat and start listening. Visitors can come and go as they please, no sneaking out necessary, and drinks are at the ready.

“There are great literary groups throughout the city that are doing a really good job connecting readers and authors,” Noel said. “But we’re looking at a Venn diagram of readers and aspiring writers, a place where you don’t have to come and do anything. A breeding ground for inspiration.”

The appeal of literary scenes in big cities such as Los Angeles and New York seems built-in: diverse, competitive and always-shifting, but with a fierce camaraderie that’s only grown fiercer since the pandemic briefly ruined authors’ ability to promote their work.

The Feb. 28 debut of Reading Den will help, with buzzy Colorado author Vauhini Vara, the nationally acclaimed author of “The Immortal King Rao” and “This Is Salvaged,” as well as author and Colorado State University associate professor Andrew Altschul (“The Gringa”) and Anna Qu, an author (“Made in China: A Memoir of Love and China”), editor and teacher.

Even if libraries, colleges and bookstores typically handle this sort of thing, there’s room to grow. Comics artists and illustrators have been known to gather for events such as Denver Drink & Draw, but the shine of listening to a stranger read from a book — at a bar — may at first seem more remote.

“But having cocktail for $15 or beer for $6 is still cheaper than a full-fledged writing workshop,” Vitcavage said. “I meet a lot of writers on (social media) and there’s a need for us to get together like this.”

Literary readings, believe it or not, also go well with dancing, drinking and music, said Eleanor Cheetham, owner of Fort Greene.

“When people are in the space doing that, it gives us life,” she said. ” ‘Community’ is an overused word, but it really does create a sense of personal connection, whether you’re drawing 60 people or six.”

She paused to collect her thoughts. “I realize I’m getting all romantic here,” she said.

That’s Reading Den’s goal, of course, and part of Fort Greene’s ethos of creating a space to incubate new types of creative gatherings, including their Love Language dance nights, DJs and other events that have since outgrown Fort Greene’s modest, plant-stuffed environs.

“As an author, anything helps,” said Jenny Shank, an award-winning Denver writer and critic whose work has appeared in The Atlantic and dozens more national publications. “And that world can be insular. Sometimes we just want to hang out with readers, and for them to be able to connect with each other.”

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