Upcoming events
ACOTAR Book 6 Drive-Through Pick Up with Donuts & Coffee
ACOTAR Book 6 pre-orders now come with drive-through pick up on tuesday 10/27 7am - 11am with coffee and donuts!
Let us hand off your long awaited book with a little pick-me-up on the way to work or school drop off
(or back home to read!)
Dog Man #15 A Sprinkle in Time Pre-Order Open House Style Release Party!
Dog Man #15 A Sprinkle in Time pre-orders now come with an open-house style release party!
School is out for Election Day, so join us from 10-12 for donuts and juice, plus new Dog Man! (and coffee for the adults)!
Can’t make it until later in the day? Get a Wilson’s ice cream on the house!
Bluegrass Bookstore Crawl Holiday Hop!
Join us for the next Bluegrass Bookstore Crawl Holiday Hop!
Bluegrass Bookstore Crawl Holiday Hop! (Copy)
Join us for the next Bluegrass Bookstore Crawl Holiday Hop!
Weirdlings Book Club: The Tulip Poplars
Grown-up Weirdlings, this one is for you! Join us on November 12 at 7pm for an hour to chat about The Tulip Poplar, by Silas House. Cost includes the book and one drink from Wilson's! (Beer, cider, kombucha, soda, lemonade, etc.) NOTE: Books will be pre-ordered upon sign-up and available to pick after the book releases on October 13! We will reach out via text or email to let you know when it’s available for pick-up.
The Book:
Tulip Poplars
Silas House
Publisher: Algonquin Books October 1 2026 EAN: 9781643756974 ISBN: 1643756974 Synopsis: Amos and Tom fall in love while working in the tobacco fields during the hot summers of the early 1900s, but it will be decades before they can truly be together. Tom cannot shake the strict religious code he was raised by nor the responsibilities of his family's farm, and he ultimately marries his longtime friend Maeve; while Amos goes to New York City to find the anonymity required to live his life openly. And though Maeve pines for Paschal rather than Tom, the strict Jim Crow laws prevent her and Paschal from being together. The Tulip Poplars is a sweeping novel--intimate in its storytelling and epic in its scope--spanning most of the 20th century, centering on four people trying to find happiness in a world that demands conventional choices. It is an examination of faith and doubt, race and class, and desire--not just sexual desire, but also the longing to be good when the whole world is telling you are evil for loving who you love. Deeply moving and based on the story of an ancestor, as well as the history of the small Kentucky towns he knows so well, House's new novel will leave you with a bigger heart.
Mess-Around with ARTplay Kids!
November Picks! We are teaming up this month with our friends at ARTplay for this Adult Landscape Painting + Book event!
NOTE: SIGN UP BY NOVEMBER 8 FOR NOVEMBER 13 EVENT!
We are so excited to announce our November mess-around with ARTplay! On November 13 at 6pm we’ll be field tripping to ARTPlay for an ADULT landscape painting class, inspired by Steen Foege! If you’re not familiar… check him out, just looking at his work feels like a perfect dose of color much needed for heading into fall and winter months!
In the spirit of finding creativity and magic in our day to day lives we are pairing this class with the fabulous Daily Creative journal by Blythe Harris and Mallory May! This book is filled with 5 minute mini creative workouts to bring you a little joy, some color and a few minutes out of your day to take a breath and reset.
Our 1.5 hr painting class is beginner friendly; we’ll provide all the supplies, plus drinks and light snacks, and would like to invite you to bring an optional potluck-style snack to share with the group! Finding the week too hectic? Just bring your creative selves and show up for an evening of community, color and ArtPlay magic ❤️🩷
Books can be picked up at the event on Nov 13! If you’d like it sooner please let us know.
Weirdlings Book Club: The Tulip Poplars at Gratz Park
Join us on November 14 at 10pm at Gratz Park to chat about The Tulip Poplar, by Silas House. Cost includes the book and coffee. Bring a blanket or chair! ***Rain Date: November 15 10am***
NOTE: Books will be pre-ordered upon sign-up and available to pick after the book releases on October 13! We will reach out via text or email to let you know when it’s available for pick-up.
The Book:
Tulip Poplars
Silas House
Publisher: Algonquin Books October 1 2026 EAN: 9781643756974 ISBN: 1643756974 Synopsis: Amos and Tom fall in love while working in the tobacco fields during the hot summers of the early 1900s, but it will be decades before they can truly be together. Tom cannot shake the strict religious code he was raised by nor the responsibilities of his family's farm, and he ultimately marries his longtime friend Maeve; while Amos goes to New York City to find the anonymity required to live his life openly. And though Maeve pines for Paschal rather than Tom, the strict Jim Crow laws prevent her and Paschal from being together. The Tulip Poplars is a sweeping novel--intimate in its storytelling and epic in its scope--spanning most of the 20th century, centering on four people trying to find happiness in a world that demands conventional choices. It is an examination of faith and doubt, race and class, and desire--not just sexual desire, but also the longing to be good when the whole world is telling you are evil for loving who you love. Deeply moving and based on the story of an ancestor, as well as the history of the small Kentucky towns he knows so well, House's new novel will leave you with a bigger heart.
Wildlings Book Club!
Get out your Detective Suits... we are reading your choice of one of two Detective Stanley books by Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison and solving our very own detective scavenger hunt: The Very Curious Cookie Caper! Kiddos will be working in teams to solve the Very Curious Cookie Caper, so tag a friend and be ready for all the mystery and fun!
NOTE: All books will be ordered upon sign-up and will arrive in the shop within a few days! We will let you know when your book is available for pick-up!
Cost includes:
One Book (paperback)
*Choice Between:
Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum
Detective Stanley and the Green Thumbed Thief
Snack from Wilson’s (hint: it's probably cookies)
Detective Scavenger Hunt: The Very Curious Cookie Caper!
This book club is for kids ages 6+!
NOTE: If you already own both Detective Stanley books please reach out and we can find an alternative option (or you can pre-order the THIRD Detective Stanley book, releasing in February!
Wildlings Book Club: Pre-Order Wings of Fire #10 Graphic Darkness of Dragons
Join us for a very special Wildlings Book Club! The next Wings of Fire Graphic Novel, Darkness of Dragons is released on December 29. Join us on January 8 for a book club to celebrate all things Wings of Fire!
NOTE: Books will be available December 29 or after. We will email or text to let you know your book has arrived and is ready for pick up!
Cost includes:
Book (paperback)
Ice Cream from Wilson’s
Dragon themed activity / craft
This book club is for kids ages 7+!
Weirdlings Book Club: Under Story
Grown-up Weirdlings, this one is for you! Join us on January 21 at 6:30pm for an hour to chat about Under Story, by Chloe Benjamin. Cost includes book and one drink from Wilson's! This mind-bending, gorgeous book has a little bit of everything ... but if you can I think it's best go to in (mostly) blind!
NOTE: Books will be ordered upon sign-up, please allow a few days for your copy to arrive! I will reach out via text or email to let you know when it’s available for pick-up. PS If you already own the book but still want to join in the fun, reach out!
The Book:
Under Story
Chloe Benjamin
Witchy Mess-Around with Wick + Mortar Studio!
We are teaming up this month with our friends at Wick + Mortar Studio!
NOTE: SIGN UP HERE BY OCTOBER 18 FOR OCTOBER 22 EVENT!
Join us for an October full of witchy reading, plus a spooky evening of candle making at Wick + Mortar Studio on October 22 at 6:30pm! The cost includes a choice between four witchy books, plus the candle making event with glittery toppings and spooky wax shapes! There's an optional crystal / gemstone bar, plus wine, beer, bubbly and cocktails / mocktails will be available on site for purchase during the event. Wick + Mortar will be hosting us at 526 E. High Street!
Books can be picked up prior to the event if you choose! We will let you know when they arrive and are ready for pick up at Wildlings Bookshop. Please note that all books are ordered as event purchases are made, so please allow a few days for books to arrive!
NOTES:
Optional crystal / gemstone bar is available as a $12 add-on at time of purchase, or can be purchased on site during the event!
Event will last approximately 1-1.5 hrs
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #21 Fight or Flight Pre-Order Drive-Through Pick Up with Donuts & Juice!
Diary of a Wimpy Kid #21 Figure or Flight pre-orders now come with drive-through pick up on Tuesday, October 20 7am - 8:30am with donuts and juice! (and coffee for the adults)
Can’t make it until later in the day? Get a Wilson’s ice cream on the house!
Spooky Story Time!
Join us for Saturday Story time on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at Wildlings Bookshop! We read outside if we can, so dress for the weather! We typically read a picture book or two and suggest ages 3 and up. All ages are welcome!
Spooky Story Time!
Join us for Saturday Story time on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at Wildlings Bookshop! We read outside if we can, so dress for the weather! We typically read a picture book or two and suggest ages 3 and up. All ages are welcome!
Weirdlings Book Club: Honey
Grown-up Weirdlings, this one is for you! Join us on September 24 at 7pm for an hour to chat about Honey, by Imani Thompson. Cost includes book and one drink from Wilson's! (Beer, cider, kombucha, soda, lemonade, etc.) NOTE: Books will be ordered upon sign-up, please allow a few days for your copy to arrive! I will reach out via text or email to let you know when it’s available for pick-up. PS If you already own the book but still want to join in the fun, reach out!
The Book:
Honey
Imani Thompson
Publisher: Random House April 1 2026
EAN: 978059397976 1ISBN: 0593979761
Synopsis:A dark, provocative, adrenaline-rush of a novel about a graduate student who murders bad men and justifies it in the name of feminism, by a bold new voice in fiction"Might be the most-anticipated debut novel of the year thanks in part to its perfect-for-Hollywood premise."--Esquire
"A darkly comic novel about the tricky politics of race, sex, violence and love . . . the entertaining (and quietly damning) read you'll need to kick off spring."--Elle
A Most Anticipated Book of the Year: Glamour, Debutiful, Book Riot, Esquire, SheReads, Elle, Stylist She just wants to know what justice feels like.
Yrsa is bored: bored with her PhD program, her entitled students, and the never-ending pages of racial violence and feminist theory she has to read. But most of all, she's bored with the men in her life--especially the bad ones.
And then, one sunny afternoon, she accidentally kills one.
Suddenly a problematic professor is dead, and Yrsa, well--she's no longer bored.
Emboldened, she starts to chase the high, and soon no misbehaving sexist man within commuting distance is safe.
Finally Yrsa's academic research feels useful. But how long can killing in the name of feminist and racial solidarity justify her actions? And how long until her actions--and buried family secrets--come back to unravel her?
September Mess-Around with Train Move Play!
September Picks! We are teaming up this month with our friends at TrainMovePlay.
NOTE: SIGN UP BY SEPTEMBER 13 FOR SEPTEMBER 19 EVENT!
September 19 at 4pm TrainMovePlay is dropping the weights and picking up a book on one of our favorite topics… the enneagram! If you’ve not gone through the process, or if it’s been a while (🙋♀️) join us, along with Meghan Jones and Raven Piercey for a couple of hours to focus on all things enneagram!
Learn your type (or refresh!) to understand your inner strengths and motivations and use it to handle stress as we enter the busy fall season ❤️
Session is beginner friendly (adults 21+) and includes:
✨The book: Essential Enneagram: The definitive Personality Test and Self-Discovery Guide by David Daniels and Virginia Price
✨Mini notebook and pen
✨Grounding meditation session, lots of discussion, resources and continuing practices
✨Plus a few light snacks
It will be held at TrainMovePlay’s space at 326 N. Ashland.
Order by September 13; books and gear will be picked up at the event on the September 19!
We can’t wait to hang with y’all for all things Enneagram!
Story Time!
Join us for Saturday Story time on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at Wildlings Bookshop! We read outside if we can, so dress for the weather! We typically read a picture book or two and suggest ages 3 and up. All ages are welcome!
Wildlings Book Club: Boss of the Underworld
Join us for the next Wildlings Book Club! We'll be reading our new favorite graphic novel: Boss of the Underworld, by Tor Freeman!
NOTE: All books will be ordered upon sign-up and will arrive in the shop within a few days! We will let you know when your book is available for pick-up!
This book is like a funny-weird-charming Odyssey-like quest for Shirley, who falls down a manhole and has to save the underworld from the Green Menace. There are quirky characters (can’t forget George the cockroach!), Sewer Sirens, Sphinxes, the Bog of Sudden Intense Emotions, sketchy forests and sewer mazes, and an ending I did not see coming!
Cost includes:
Book (paperback)
Ice Cream from Wilson’s
Underworld themed activity / craft
This book club is for kids ages 8+!
Yoga Story Time with Lauren from Centered!
Join us for Saturday Story time on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month at Wildlings Bookshop! We read outside if we can, so dress for the weather! We typically read a picture book or two and suggest ages 3 and up. All ages are welcome!
On Saturday, September 5 we will have a very special interactive yoga story time with Lauren from Centered! We will be reading Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller’s Invisible Things, and there will be lots of stretching, deep breathing, plus wiggles and giggles!
No equipment needed, just bring yourselves!
Wildlings Bookshop is Turning One!
Join us in celebrating our one year anniversary!!!
MORNING F U N!
9:30-sold out girls girls girls burrito truck!
10:30AM story time wiggles with TrainMovePlay!
11AM-12PM free face painting!
AFTERNOON P A R T Y!
2-4PM savs ice cream truck!
2-4PM music by dj brad clark!
bookmark coloring for kids!
face painting time tbd!
Plus customer appreciation specials all day!
10% off all wildlings purchases
$1 wildlings anniversary stickers!
free ARC (advance reader copies) giveaway - one per person while supplies last!
Kenwick Porch Fest Kids Bike Parade!
Save the date for this fun Kenwick Porch fest event brought to you by ArtPlay Kids, TrainMovePlay and Wildlings Bookshop!
We will be making banners and decorating bikes (and scooters, and kids) for a parade from Mentelle Park to the Kenwick Community Center. Parents must join their kiddos on bikes in the parade to ensure bike safety. Helmets required for all those on wheels! Walkers Welcome! Come dressed in neons or brights for visibility and fun!
We are asking for donations for supplies to help decorate bikes! If you have any of the items below please bring to Wildlings by August 15. We will provide some basics but please bring some supplies for decorating on the day of! Pipe cleaners, streamers, zip ties, velcro strips, balloons, duct take or wash tape, pain sticks, colored paper.
August Mess-Around with Sav's Garden PICK-UP
August Mess-around orders (Sav’s Garden bouquet + book) will be available for pick up beginning August 22! We will text or email to confirm that orders are ready for pick-up.
Sign up here! Orders close August 16.
Story time with Mrs. Walker from Ashland Elementary!
Story time returns! Join us for a special story time before school starts back with Mrs. Walker, principal of Ashland Elementary!
Baby-Sitters Club Summer Book Club!
Join us for book club featuring The Baby-Sitters Club Fan Edition: Baby-Sitter Summer! The book releases on July 7; pre-order by June 28 to receive the book on or around July 7. We will have a few copies in the store as well for those that miss the pre-order cut-off!
SIGN UP & RESERVE YOUR COPY HERE!!
Come ready to chat about all things BSC!!!
Cost includes:
Ice cream or popsicle from Wilson's!
Book:
Baby-Sitters Club Fan Edition: Baby-Sitter Summer
Ann M Martin,Becky Albertalli,Coe Booth,Sarah Kuhn,Peter Lerangis,Jahnna N Malcolm,Emma Straub
An all-star author lineup, including Ann M. Martin, creates the first ever Fan Edition Baby-sitters Club novel!
It's a summer to remember for The Baby-sitters Club, with Mary Anne and Stacey staying in Stoneybrook while Kristy, Claudia, Dawn, Jessi, and Mallory head on adventures all across the map.
Weirdlings Book Club: The Hounding
Grown-up Weirdlings, this one is for you! Join us on July 23 at 7pm for an hour to chat about The Hounding, by Xenobe Purvis. Cost includes book and one drink from Wilson's! (Beer, cider, kombucha, soda, lemonade, etc.)
NOTE: Books will be ordered upon sign-up, please allow a few days for your copy to arrive! I will reach out via text or email to let you know when it’s available for pick-up.
If you already own the book but still want to join in the fun, reach out!
The Book:
National Bestseller • A New York TimesBook Review Book Club Pick • A New York Times Notable Book • Indies Choice Awards Finalist • Named a Best Book of the Year by NPR, TIME and Kirkus Reviews • The Crucible meets The VirginSuicidesin this haunting debut about five sisters in a small village in eighteenth-century England whose neighbors are convinced they’re turning into dogs. ONE OF PEOPLE’S, APPLE BOOKS’, AND AMAZON’S BEST BOOKS OF AUGUST 2025“A wildly inventive riff on the Gothic form, with enough suspense and mounting dread to rival Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Lottery.’”—The New York TimesEven before the rumors about the Mansfield girls begin, Little Nettlebed is a village steeped in the uncanny, from strange creatures that wash up on the riverbank to portentous ravens gathering on the roofs of people about to die. But when the villagers start to hear barking, and one claims to see the Mansfield sisters transform before his very eyes, the allegations spark fascination and fear like nothing has before.The truth is that though the inhabitants of Little Nettlebed have never much liked the Mansfield girls—a little odd, think some; a little high on themselves, perhaps—they’ve always had plenty to say about them. As the rotating perspectives of five villagers quickly make clear, now is no exception. Even if local belief in witchcraft is waning, an aversion to difference is as widespread as ever, and these conflicting narratives all point to the same ultimate conclusion: Something isn’t right in Little Nettlebed, and the sisters will be the ones to pay for it.A richly atmospheric parable of the pleasures and perils of female defiance, The Houndingconsiders whether in any age it might be safer to be a dog than an unusual young girl.
Saturday Story Time & DJ Party!
Join us in kicking off the summer with Katherine Paisley! Katherine will be demo-ing her gear for kiddos after story time :)
Saturday Story Time & Book Signing with Reva Russell English!
Reva will be reading picture books (best for kiddos 3+) and then will stick around afterwards and sign copies of her (adult) book, Two Hearts, Two Mouths that is out on May 26! We will have copies available for purchase, and a pre-order link through our website is now up!
Field trip to the Salt Cave!
Join us for a very special story time at the Lexington Salt Cave! Registration is required, all the details can be found at the link below!
Saturday Story Time & Book Signing with Miriam Lightfoot!
Join us in welcoming local author Miriam Lightfoot to Wildlings Bookshop! Miriam will be reading from her new chapter book, Unusual Crime Solvers: The Paris Puzzle, and then signing books afterwards! We will have copies available for purchase. Best for kiddos 5+; all are welcome!
Storytime Adventures with the International Book Project!
Join us for Storytime Adventures with the International Book Project! The event should last about a half hour (as of right now the ending time is stuck at 6pm but it will NOT last 4.5 hours!).
This will be an interactive story time celebrating Afro-Caribbean music and dance! There will be maraca decorating!
This is a donation-based event, held at Wildlings Bookshop. All proceeds will go to International Book Project! Cash and cards accepted on site during the day of the event!
Adults must Stay on site for the duration of the event.
Sign-up is required so we know how many kiddos to expect!
Saturday Story Time!
Join us for story time at Wildlings! We read outside whenever possible so dress for the weather! Best for kiddos 3 and up but all are welcome!
Saturday Story Time!
Join us for story time at Wildlings! We read outside whenever possible so dress for the weather! Best for kiddos 3 and up but all are welcome!
Saturday Story Time!
Join us for story time at Wildlings! We read outside whenever possible so dress for the weather! Best for kiddos 3 and up but all are welcome!
Bluegrass Bookstore Crawl!
Join us for the Bluegrass Bookstore Crawl on Independent Bookstore Day! Check the link below for all the details!
Independent Bookstore Day!
Join us for a super fun day celebrating your favorite independent bookstores!
10:30am: story time with little magic music
9:30 - sold out: girls girls girls burrito truck (weather permitting)
all day wilson’s drink specials!
All day specials & prizes!
spin our prize wheel with every purchase!
find the golden ticket from libro.fm and get 12 free audiobooks!!
bookstore crawl: visit 8 participating regional bookstores, stamp your passport & enter to win prizes!
Silas House Story Time!!
Join us for Story Time with Silas House!!! We are so excited for this event! Check back for details!
Saturday Story Time!
Join us for our weekly community story time at Wildlings Bookshop! We typically read 1-2 picture books, best for ages 3-8 but all are welcome! We read outside when possible so dress for the weather! Check our social media for details on special readers.
Saturday Story Time!
Join us for our weekly community story time at Wildlings Bookshop! We typically read 1-2 picture books, best for ages 3-8 but all are welcome! We read outside when possible so dress for the weather! Check our social media for details on special readers.
Salt Cave Story Time
***EVENT IS SOLD OUT*** Email us if you’re interested in participating if we host another! Event is located AT the Lexington Salt Cave and all details can be found in registration through the Salt Cave!
Saturday Story Time!
Join us for our weekly community story time at Wildlings Bookshop! We typically read 1-2 picture books, best for ages 3-8 but all are welcome! We read outside when possible so dress for the weather! Check our social media for details on special readers.