Charm City Books: Fostering Literary Magic and Community Connections in Pigtown

Daven Ralston, the owner of Charm City Books, is a passionate advocate for literature and community building through the arts and education in Baltimore's Pigtown neighborhood. As an actor, teacher, and classically-trained musician, Daven cherishes her love for books and aims to make Charm City Books a go-to destination known for its great selection of books, local crafts, community programs, and overall magic. Brandon Rashad Butts, a talented writer, director, and producer based in the DMV area, is also part of the Charm City Books team. With a background in theater, Brandon is committed to supporting local artists and creating an inclusive space for the community to engage with literature and the arts. Charm City Books itself is an independent, family-owned bookstore and community gathering space, offering new books, locally made crafts, classes, workshops, and various events that foster connection and learning in the community.

In this installment:

• Learn the secret behind Charm City Books' success - their commitment to listening to the community and collaborating with local businesses and nonprofits. Discover how community engagement drives their bookstore's growth and impact.
• Join us as we explore the treasure trove of books at Charm City Books. From classic literature to contemporary gems, social sciences, and works by local independent writers, this bookstore has something for every book lover.
• Charm City Books goes beyond being a bookstore - it's a vibrant community gathering space. Tune in to hear about the exciting events, workshops, and collaborations they host with artists and musicians, creating an engaging and inclusive space for the neighborhood.
• In this episode, learn how Charm City Books adapted during the pandemic. From focusing on their online store and delivery services to creating digital content, discover the innovative ways they continued to engage with their customers and stay connected.
• Meet the team behind Charm City Books and find out how their artistic backgrounds and skills infuse the bookstore with creativity and warmth. Explore the unique and welcoming ambiance they create, making every customer's visit a delightful experience.

Daven and Brandon join host Rob Lee to discuss their independent family-owned bookstore and community gathering space located in historic Pigtown, Baltimore. They share the story of how they opened the bookstore in October 2019 and their mission to create a space that brings together artistic and creative people. They emphasize the importance of listening to their community and collaborating with other businesses and nonprofits in the area. Daven and Brandon also talk about the various ways they have adapted their business during the pandemic, including focusing on their online store, offering delivery services, and creating digital content. They highlight the importance of building a strong sense of community and providing a joyful and welcoming space for customers. Daven and Brandon also discuss their own creative backgrounds and how they bring their artistic skills and perspectives to their work at the bookstore.

Mentioned in this episode:

Charm City Books

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This program is supported (in part) by a grant from the Robert W. Deutsch Foundation.

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Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard.

Episode illustration by Alley Kid Art.

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"The Truth In This Art," hosted by Rob Lee, is a podcast that explores the essence of creativity and its community impact, amplifying artists' voices and their profound stories.

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Creators & Guests

Host

Rob Lee

The Truth In This Art is an interview series featuring artists, entrepreneurs and tastemakers in & around Baltimore.

Guest

Daven Ralston

Owner of Charm City Books - passionate advocate for literature and community building through the arts and education in Baltimore's Pigtown neighborhood.

What is Truth In This Art Podcast - Your Source for Conversations with Artists, Innovators, Creatives & Cultural Leaders?

Hosted by Rob Lee, the 'Truth In This Art Podcast' delves into the transformative power of art, featuring engaging conversations with artists and cultural leaders from Baltimore and beyond. Explore how art influences society and personal growth, making it a must-listen for artists, creatives, and art lovers seeking insightful conversations and fresh perspectives.