SPD Presents: Small Press Distribution’s 50th Anniversary Reading & Celebration

Established in 1969, Small Press Distribution (SPD) of Berkeley celebrates 50 years as the nation’s only literary nonprofit book distributor. SPD is honored to distribute and advocate for over 400 independent publishers, bridging connections between underserved readers and a broad coalition of essential but underrepresented authors. In conjunction with our community partners at the Berkeley Art Center, it is our great pleasure to celebrate our 50th anniversary by honoring the vibrant Bay Area literary community, as well as the advocates, readers, and writers who have sustained and inspired SPD for decades.

SPD will honor three local literary luminaries who we believe have made significant, invaluable contributions to Bay Area literary culture over the last decade. Samantha Giles, winner of the 2019 California Book Award Gold Medal in Poetry, served as the executive director of Small Press Traffic, stewarding innovation in San Francisco literature through events, workshops, and community advocacy. Owen Hill is a novelist, editor, and the co-curator of events at radical, independent store Moe’s Books in Berkeley, which celebrates its 60th Anniversary this year. J.K. Fowler is a writer and the founder and executive director of Nomadic Press, a community-focused literary and arts non-profit with operations in Oakland, CA, Des Moines, IA, and Brooklyn, NY. We are proud to have worked in such close proximity to these wonderful writers and organizers over the years. 

On Saturday, October 5th, we invite you to join us for SPD Presents: Small Press Distribution’s 50th Anniversary Reading & Celebration! The event will be held at the Berkeley Art Center and will feature readings from our honored guests, followed by a community reception and celebration. Doors open at 3pm.  The BAC is located at 1275 Walnut Street in North Berkeley; the event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: bit.ly/SPDPresents.