WAITSBURG-Wine enthusiasts, art lovers, and musicians have all enjoyed the opening of the Royal Block, in Waitsburg last year. Preparing for the third book reading in less than a month signals the interest in the new venue from local authors and readers alike.

The Times columnist Brad Trumbo debuted his book, Wingshooting the Palouse, earlier this month at the Royal Block with a book signing event. The evening was well-attended by readers, upland game hunters, friends, and curious folks drawn in by the warm light shining through the tall, historic windows. It was an excellent opportunity to meet one of the area's most prolific and nicest bird hunting writers.

Walla Walla-based author and poet Charles Potts held a reading on February 17 attended by more than 30 residents and visitors from Waitsburg, Dayton, and Walla Walla. At the beginning of the reading, Potts announced that all money raised from book sales and donations that evening would benefit the Weller Public Library in Waitsburg.

Karen Huwe, boardmember of Friends of the Weller Public Library, shared that nearly $500 had been raised, and while the board is still deciding which project the money will go towards, they were all very appreciative of the support.

"We (Friends of the Library) are always doing renovations, always looking to buy new books," Huwe said. "We really appreciate Charles choosing to benefit the library, and we appreciate Lane (Gwinn) giving him the suggestion."

The Royal Block will be celebrating International Women's Day on March 5, with a reading by former Waitsburg Mayor Markeeta Little Wolf. She will be reading from her new book, The Wrestler's Daughter. This book was published just before Christmas and reviewed in the January 13, 2022, edition of The Times. It is a book of recipes wrapped in Little Wolf's memoirs.