Independent bookstores to be honored as part of Heyday Harvest fundraiser

Heyday Books, an independent, nonprofit publisher in Berkeley, hosts its 14th annual “Heyday Harvest” fundraiser on Sunday. The event comes at a time, in the Covid-19 pandemic, when indie booksellers and publishers need local support more than ever.

Founded by author Malcolm Margolin in 1974, Heyday puts out 20 titles penned by a diverse array of authors every year. In its mission statement, the nonprofit describes itself as a proponent of social justice, the beauty of the natural world and the “California Indian cultural renewal,” disseminating California’s history and culture via writers who prize social equity and engagement.

This Sunday, Heyday is offering a compelling lineup of speakers, special appearances by California-based booksellers and an exclusive peek at upcoming releases and future projects presented by Steve Wasserman, Heyday’s current executive director.

Heyday is also honoring two writers who embody the publisher’s ethos.

Greg Sarris, author of “Keeping Slug Woman Alive: A Holistic Approach to American Indian Texts,” will be honored with Heyday’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Heyday’s development manager, Emily Grossman, said:

“Greg Sarris’ longtime leadership of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and efforts to support environmental stewardship and social justice make him a deserving candidate.”

Graphic designer Innosanto Nagara will be honored with the Heyday History Award. Grossman said:

“Nagara perfectly embodies the need to engage on topics of history and activism with a younger generation as they become leaders in the world.”

A third honor will go to 10 independent booksellers based in California. Representatives of Books Inc., Green Apple, Kepler’s, Moe’s, Booksmith, Mrs. Dalloway’s, Book Passage, Builders Booksource, Pegasus and Vroman’s will discuss the delicate art of persistence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wasserman says:

“Heyday is thrilled to honor a number of folks, especially writers and booksellers, whose work is indispensable in keeping literacy and hope alive in these strange and blighted days. The ecosystem of literacy is fragile, but together we can strengthen its roots by recognizing the good work that is done, day in and day out, by these heroes of our time.”

“Heyday Harvest” livestreams from 5-6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, available at https://heyday.salsalabs.org/harvest2020/index.html, start at $20, and include a recording of the event. All proceeds from Heyday Harvest go towards supporting Heyday’s efforts as a nonprofit publisher.

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This story was first published on LocalNewsMatters.org.