Past Events

Queen Takes Book

Nov13

PastCraftColumbia, MD

Cozy Fridays - Book Bedazzling (RESCHEDULED)

6:30 PM • Friday, November 13, 2026Queen Takes Book$23

Join Queen Takes Book at our fall event series, Cozy Fridays! This week we are hosting a Book Bedazzling night on November 13th at 6:30pm. Come bedazzle books with your bookish friends! Your ticket includes a book bedazzling kit (linked below) and booksellers will be on hand to help in the bedazzling process. Bring a book from home or purchase one at Queen Takes Book to bedazzle. Tickets are $23 plus fees and include a book bedazzling kit. To attend this event, you MUST purchase a ticket through our Eventbrite. Purchasing the linked bedazzling kit does not reserve you a spot at this event. We can't wait to see you there!

Nov12

PastBook ClubRomanceColumbia, MD

Evening Romance Club - November '26

6:45 PM • Thursday, November 12, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Evening Romance Club on Thursday, November 12th at 6:45pm. This month we're reading Lunar Love by Lauren Kung Jessen.Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through November 12th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Nov11

PastBook ClubFictionColumbia, MD

Evening Fiction Club - November '26

6:45 PM • Wednesday, November 11, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Evening Fiction Club on Wednesday, November 11th at 6:45pm. This month we'll be reading Yerba Buena by Nina LaCour. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through November 11th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Nov10

PastReadingPoetryColumbia, MD

Wilde Readings - November '26

7:00 PM • Tuesday, November 10, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

At Wilde Readings, we are thankful for you -- our audience -- and for our amazing featured authors. At our November 10 event, you'll meet and hear from two stand-out local authors, Will Cole and Linda Kay Klein. Ricky Jones and Laura Shovan will emcee the event. Bring questions for the featured-author Q&A and something to read at the open mic (2 poems or 5 minutes, max). About our features: WILL COLE is a queer, transgender writer, scientist, educator, and “seahorse dad.” In 2026, he completed an MA in Writing Nonfiction from JHU and the Yale Writers' Workshop. He received the David Everett Award for Outstanding Thesis and his essay in Open Secrets was nominated for a Pushcart Prize (2025). His work has also appeared in The Portland Review, Welter, Jarnal, The Science Writer, Baltimore Fishbowl, and Another Jane Pratt Thing. LINDA KAY KLEIN is the author of the award-winning book, Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement that Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free. Her writing and other work have been featured by NBC, CBS, The New York Times, and 150 other media outlets, including an hour-long interview with Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air, which was one of the 10 most listened to episodes of the year. Linda is an inspiring speaker and has given two TEDx Talks. Glennon Doyle calls her work “a fresh breath of freedom” and Gloria Steinem praises Linda for exposing a form of religious trauma that “must be understood by us all.” Linda also teaches creative writing and provides one-on-one coaching for individuals raised in purity culture. All are welcome. We encourage you to participate in the open mic. Please prepare no more than five minutes of performance time/two poems. Sign up when you arrive. Books by both featured authors will be available for sale through Queen Takes Book. Wilde Readings is a program of HoCoPoLitSo.

Nov10

PastBook ClubMysteryColumbia, MD

Tuesday Murder Mystery Club - November '26

10:00 AM • Tuesday, November 10, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Tuesday Murder Mystery book club on Tuesday, November 10th at 10am. This month, we'll be reading Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through November 10th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Nov9

PastPanelColumbia, MD

Carol of the Books: Winter Guide Preview

6:30 PM • Monday, November 9, 2026The Collective Encore$15

Queen Takes Book provides a first look at their Winter Guide Preview over cocktails! Columbia's favorite indie bookstore, Queen Takes Book, returns to Encore with Carol of the Books! Each ticket includes 1 free drink (draft beer, wine, or soda). Guests also receive a first look at our Queen Takes Book Winter Reading Guide and will hear from our booksellers about the titles they've loved most this year! We also have an exciting surprise... Doors open at 6:30pm / Bookseller talk starts at 7:00pm. Cocktails & Encore menu options are available for additional purchase.

Nov6

PastCommunity EventColumbia, MD

Cozy Fridays - Origami Lesson

6:30 PM • Friday, November 6, 2026Queen Takes Book$20

Queen Takes Book is launching a Friday event series: Cozy Fridays! Join us for an Origami Lesson on November 6th at 6:30pm. Come learn the art of origami! You will be provided with an origami kit (includes origami paper and an instruction booklet) and Amelia will lead a lesson on how to fold a paper crane. Any remaining free time can be used to try different projects from the instruction booklet with Amelia on hand to help. Tickets are $20 and include an origami kit. To attend this event, you MUST purchase a ticket through our Eventbrite. Purchasing the linked origami kit does not reserve you a spot at this event. We can't wait to see you there!

Nov2

PastBook ClubHorrorColumbia, MD

Horror Book Club - November '26

6:00 PM • Monday, November 2, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Horror Book Club on Monday, November 2nd at 6:00pm. This month we'll be reading Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through November 2nd. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Oct30

PastStory TimePicture BooksColumbia, MD

Cozy Fridays - Halloween Storytime

6:00 PM • Friday, October 30, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Queen Takes Book is launching a Friday event series: Cozy Fridays! Join us for a Halloween Storytime on October 30th at 6:00pm. It's spooky season, y'all! So bring your little ones to Queen Takes Book for a spooky (and sweet) Halloween Storytime. All ages are welcome and costumes are encouraged! We will also have candy to give out for trick-or-treating. Our bookseller Christy will be leading the storytime. This event is FREE to attend, but we kindly ask that you RSVP. Please RSVP for all of the children who are attending; adults do not have to RSVP or include themselves in the RSVP numbers.

Oct28

PastBook ClubFictionColumbia, MD

Evening Fiction Club - October '26

6:45 PM • Wednesday, October 28, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Evening Fiction Club on Wednesday, October 28th at 6:45pm. This month we'll be reading The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through October 28th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Oct23

PastCommunity EventCookingColumbia, MD

Cozy Fridays - Soup Swap

6:30 PM • Friday, October 23, 2026Queen Takes Book$8

Queen Takes Book is launching a Friday event series: Cozy Fridays! Join us for a Soup Swap on October 23rd at 6:30pm. Love making soup? Love eating soup? Then this is the perfect event for you! Queen Takes Book is hosting a Soup Swap, where you bring a soup and get to try everyone else's. Tasting bowls and spoons will be provided by Queen Takes Book. Please bring your own receptable (crock pot or similar warming container preferred) and ladle to serve your soup. Please also bring your own leftover containers. Attendees are not required to share leftovers with each other, but are welcome to do so if they like. Please also avoid nut soups due to allergies. Tickets are $8 to reserve your spot. If you attend the event, you will receive a $5 voucher you can use that night or in the future.

Oct16

PastCraftColumbia, MD

Cozy Fridays - Book Bedazzling

6:30 PM • Friday, October 16, 2026Queen Takes Book$23

Queen Takes Book is launching a Friday event series: Cozy Fridays! Join us for a Book Bedazzling night on October 16th at 6:30pm. Come bedazzle books with your bookish friends! You will be provided with a book bedazzling kit (linked below) and booksellers will be on hand to help in the bedazzling process. You can bring a book from home or purchase a book at Queen Takes Book to bedazzle. Tickets are $20 plus fees and include a book bedazzling kit. We can't wait to see you there!

Oct15

PastBook ClubFantasyColumbia, MD

Sci-fi/Fantasy Pop-up Club - October '26

6:45 PM • Thursday, October 15, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our second Sci-fi/Fantasy Pop-up Club meeting on Thursday, October 15th at 6:45pm. We'll be reading The Language of Liars by S L Huang. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through October 15th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (hardcover or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Oct14

PastAuthor EventNatureColumbia, MD

Poetry Release - Hillary Gonzalez

6:30 PM • Wednesday, October 14, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Queen Takes Book, feat. Wild Birds Unlimited, presents: An Evening of Poetry for Ospreys with author & eco-poet, Hillary Gonzalez. Hillary Gonzalez will be reading her new poetry collection, Where the Osprey Nest, in-store on Wednesday, October 14th at 6:30pm. They will also be teaming up with Wild Birds Unlimited to discuss birds and ospreys. This event is FREE to attend, but we kindly ask that you RSVP. Copies of Where the Osprey Nest will be available for purchase at the event and are available for preorder now on our website and in-store.

Oct13

PastBook ClubMysteryColumbia, MD

Tuesday Murder Mystery Club - October '26

10:00 AM • Tuesday, October 13, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Tuesday Murder Mystery book club on Tuesday, October 13th at 10am. This month, we'll be reading The Killer Question by Janice Hallett. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through October 13th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Oct12

PastBook ClubTranslationColumbia, MD

Works in Translation Club - October '26

6:00 PM • Monday, October 12, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Works in Translation Club meeting on Monday, October 12th at 6pm. We'll be reading Last Day of a Prior Life by Andrés Barba (translated from Spanish by Lisa Dillman). Before reading this book, please be aware that there are emotionally intense and distressing situations involving a child, including between a mother and child, mental health, and verbal abuse. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through October 12th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (hardcover or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Oct9

PastAuthor EventMemoirColumbia, MD

Cozy Fridays - Writing Workshop

6:30 PM • Friday, October 9, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Queen Takes Book is launching a Friday event series: Cozy Fridays! Join us for a Writing Workshop with Constance Hays Matsumoto, author of Fact & Fiction and Of White Ashes. This event will include an author talk and workshop about writing from family history and lived experience, as well as an audience Q&A and book signing. Copies of Fact & Fiction and Of White Ashes will be available for purchase at the event and are available for order on our website. This event is FREE to attend, but we kindly ask that you RSVP. We can't wait to see you there!

Oct8

PastBook ClubRomanceColumbia, MD

Evening Romance Club - October '26

6:45 PM • Thursday, October 8, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Evening Romance Club on Thursday, October 8th at 6:45pm. This month we're reading Zomromcom by Olivia Dade. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through October 8th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Oct7

PastAdult BeveragesColumbia, MD

Banned Books Speakeasy

7:00 PM • Wednesday, October 7, 2026Cushwa & Rad Pies Taproom$10

We have a secret... Queen Takes Book invites you to our Banned Books Speakeasy at Cushwa & Rad Pies Taproom on Wednesday, October 7th from 7pm to 9pm. Dressing up for the occasion is encouraged. The details are hush, hush... For now. Tickets are $10*. Proceeds go to Unite Against Book Bans and the Maryland Library Association, two organizations dedicated to keeping all books accessible to everyone. *Entry to Cushwa & Rad Pies Taproom is free. The $10 ticket is to enter the Banned Books Speakeasy space.

Oct5

PastBook ClubHorrorColumbia, MD

Horror Book Club - October '26

6:00 PM • Monday, October 5, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Horror Book Club on Monday, October 5th at 6:00pm. This month we'll be reading All Hallows by Christopher Golden. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through October 5th. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (paperback or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.

Oct2

PastCommunity EventColumbia, MD

Cozy Fridays Kickoff - Crafting Night

6:00 PM • Friday, October 2, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Queen Takes Book is launching a Friday event series: Cozy Fridays! Join us for our kickoff event: Crafting Night. Wear your coziest clothes, bring your current crafting project, and join Queen Takes Book for a cozy crafting night! Whether you're knitting, sketching, sewing, or scrapbooking, come do it in bookish company. Feel free to bring some headphones to listen to your current audiobook or chat with the other cozy crafters in attendance. Crafting supplies are not provided. This event is FREE to attend, but we kindly ask that you RSVP. We can't wait to see you there!

Sep24

PastAdult BeveragesBiographyColumbia, MD

Local Author Fair - September '26

6:00 PM • Thursday, September 24, 2026Cushwa & Rad Pies TaproomFree

Come meet an amazing group of local authors and learn more about their books! Come to our Boozy Local Author Fair and meet an amazing group of local authors! This is an opportunity to learn about incredible new books directly from the authors themselves. That means you can get them signed, personalized, and ask any questions you may have! All while enjoying great food and drinks from Cushwa & Rad Pies Taproom. We can't wait to see you there! Here are our attending authors! J. A. Barrios (Ravings of an Unsettled Mind, Tenebris: The Unholy Darkness, Tenebris: The Unholy Quest) Jean Burgess (Navigating Her Next Chapter: A Retro Novel, That Summer She Found Her Voice: A Novel) Mindy Carlson (Her Dying Day) Harry Carpenter (Howlers, Spooky Tales and Scary Things 3, Nightmares Unbound) Jacqueline Cassard (Two Blue Lines) Marie D (Still Water, Skin; An Iridescent Light) Tara Ebersole (Bits of Spirit) Scot Ehrhardt (The Armillary Papers) Rikka Gallasova (Soul Mirror) Steven Gellman (Somewhere in Nowhere) K. M. Hogenson (The Archcrusade: Tome One) Madeline James (Because the Beasts Came) A. L. Kaplan (Star Touched) Nina Lior (The Forty Poems) Brian J Lynch (Consequences Intended, Selected) Debbi Mack (Identity Crisis, Fatal Connections, Damaged Goods) Marina Massino (Steal the Sky) Jeff Mount (Seeking Thin Places: How Sacred Travel Heals, Restores, and Awakens the Soul) N. N. Nicky (That Missing Piece: A Collection of LGBTQ+ Short Stories) Homira Pashai (The Eyes of the Arg: A Persian Saga) Jeanne E. Saddler (The Great Triumph - A Memoir of Courage & Devotion) A. M. Shilling (The Devouring) Darran Smith (The Alphabet Lovers) Mary K. Tilghman (Lucky Spring, Step into the Sunlight, Divided Loyalties)

Sep23

PastBook ClubFictionColumbia, MD

Evening Fiction Club - September '26

6:45 PM • Wednesday, September 23, 2026Queen Takes BookFree

Join us for our Evening Fiction Club on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:45pm. This month we'll be reading The Great Wherever by Shannon Sanders. Copies of the book are available at Queen Takes Book and can be purchased at 10% off in-store through September 23rd. Use the code BOOKCLUB to get 10% off through our website. You can also order through Bookshop.org (hardcover or ebook) or Libro.fm (audiobook) to support local independent bookstores.