Building Community Through Books with Beth Seufer Buss of Bookmarks

This week in The Literary Lounge, Jennifer is joined by Beth Seufer Buss, Program Director of Bookmarks in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. More than a bookstore, Bookmarks is a literary arts nonprofit with a mission to build an inclusive, curious, and connected community through books. Beth shares the unique story of Bookmarks—from its beginnings as a volunteer-run book festival to becoming North Carolina’s first nonprofit bookstore—and how its year-round events, school programs, and community outreach bring readers together and help foster a love of books in the next generation. Jennifer and Beth also go behind the scenes of the annual Festival of Books & Authors. Beth shares what goes into planning the festival, highlights from this year’s lineup of more than 50 authors, and her best tips for first-time attendees heading to downtown Winston-Salem on September 26, 2026. Whether you’re a longtime Bookmarks supporter or discovering it for the first time, this conversation is a celebration of the connection, curiosity, and sense of belonging that can grow when a community gathers around books. In This EpisodeThe story behind Bookmarks and the Festival of Books & Authors Beth’s journey from librarian and Bookmarks volunteer to Program Director  Building connection and community through books  Helping young readers discover the joy of reading What goes into planning a 50+ author book festival A preview of the 2026 Festival of Books & Authors Creating bookish fun for readers of all ages Beth’s tips for first-time Festival attendeesBookmarks' year-round events and community programming  Ways to support Bookmarks from afar Meet Beth Seufer BussBeth Seufer Buss is Program Director at Bookmarks, where she oversees the nonprofit's bookstore, year-round author events, and Festival of Books & Authors, helping build an inclusive, curious, and connected community through books.Connect with Beth Instagram: @firststreetbethreadsConnect with Bookmarks Website: bookmarksnc.orgFestival of Books & Authors: bookmarksncfestival.orgInstagram: @bookmarksncFacebook: facebook.com/BookmarksNCTikTok: @bookmarksnc Donate to Bookmarks: bookmarksnc.org/donate Books & Authors Mentioned in this Episode: Trixie Belden series by Julie Campbell Judy Bolton series by Margaret SuttonStation Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel Stacey AbramsInvestiGators by John Patrick GreenAmari and the Night Brothers by B B AlstonAlan Gratz Breakout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola YoonA Princess is a Princess by Anika Noni RosePunished for Dreaming by Dr. Bettina L Love Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea by Emily Wilson Jax Freeman and the Graveyard Forest by Kwame MbaliaJohn GreenAngie ThomasHollow Bones by Jodi PicoultThe Correspondent by Virginia EvansSarah Addison AllenKristy Woodson HarveyNic Stone STAY CONNECTED The Literary LoungeFollow and subscribe to The Literary Lounge wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Continue the conversation by subscribing to The Literary Lounge on Substack, delivered every Sunday and featuring:The Guest Book (extended guest Q&A)The Bookshop (a featured independent bookstore) Recommended readsLiterary discoveries and behind-the-scenes updates Instagram: @theliterarylounge.co Jennifer CashHost, Creator, Producer & Editor of The Literary Lounge Instagram: @readwithjennifer