CFLC Fall Adult Storytelling

Join Cape Fear Literacy Council’s six-week Adult Story Hour at Azalea Station, September 23–October 28, 2025 featuring top NC writers, WHQR moderators; tickets $20 or $100 season pass.

The Cape Fear Literacy Council (CFLC) is bringing back its popular Adult Story Hour this fall, a six-week storytelling series featuring some of North Carolina’s top writers, artists, and entertainers. Hosted at the new venue Azalea Station in Wilmington’s Cargo District, the series blends literature, humor, and community connection—while raising funds for CFLC’s free adult education programs.

Event Details
• Dates: Tuesdays, September 23–October 28, 2025

• Location: Azalea Station, 1502 Castle St., Wilmington, NC (Cargo District)

• Schedule: Meet & Mingle at 5:00 PM; Program at 5:30 PM; Q&A to follow with WHQR moderators

• Tickets: $20 per event or $100 for a season pass

• Amenities: Drinks available for purchase at the bar; food options just outside in the Cargo District food court (some vendors offer attendee discounts)

Modeled after NPR’s Selected Shorts, each evening features local and regional voices reading short pieces they love (but didn’t write) to a live audience, followed by a lively Q&A.

Featured Speakers
• September 23 – Rhonda Bellamy President/CEO and Founding Executive Director of the Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County; host and executive producer of Around Town with Rhonda Bellamy on WHQR.
• September 30 – Nina de Gramont Author of nine books, including The Christie Affair (New York Times bestseller; Reese’s Book Club pick). Based in Coastal North Carolina.
• October 7 – John Jeremiah Sullivan Award-winning essayist and journalist whose work appears in The New York Times Magazine, Harper’s, and GQ; author of Blood Horses and Pulphead; contributing writer for The New York Times.
• October 14 – Anita Thomas Wilmington writer and performer known for advertising and creative writing work; longtime CFLC volunteer; author of Blood Will Tell (2023).
• October 21 – Zach Hanner Actor, musician, stage director, and writer from Mt. Airy, NC; appeared in Shallow Hal and Radio; active in Wilmington’s theater community.
• October 28 – Celia Rivenbark New York Times bestselling author and award-winning humor columnist known for sharp Southern wit; titles include Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank and You Don’t Sweat Much for a Fat Girl; former CFLC tutor.

Quote “This series is a chance to experience the joy of storytelling in a fun, social setting,” said Yasmin Tomkinson, Executive Director of CFLC. “We are thrilled to showcase the talents of North Carolina’s finest writers and entertainers while bringing the community together to support literacy. Every WHQR moderator brings a different and interesting conversation to the table, and we see new friendships forged each week.”

Tickets Tickets are available now at cfliteracy.org/events. Purchase individual tickets for $20 or a Season Pass for $100 to attend the full six-week series.

About Cape Fear Literacy Council Cape Fear Literacy Council is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing personalized education so adults can transform their lives and contribute to a stronger community.

Learn more at cfliteracy.org.