Sage Books & Gifts is not a typical book store. The store in Mount Welcome is a place where authors, poets, singers, actors, students, teachers, artists and lovers of books can get together to share their writing, study, read, have fun and more.
Local authors hold book discussions, students are tutored, and poets read their original poems.
In August, Mervelle A.Sage opened the store on St. Croix, where folks can share and enjoy literary and poetic expression in monthly events such Poetry Cafe or “Tori Hour” for the little ones.
The concept of getting together for literary purposes in her book store is the brainchild of Sage, a teacher at Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School, author and lifelong lover of the arts.
Folks gather in what she calls the sanctuary. She has furnished it with comfortable seating, soft lighting, end tables, and a jungle print rug.
In September folks gathered for a Saturday of sultry conversation with Crucian Dean Jean Pierre, cerebral erotica author. Sage said women really like his books and they certainly enjoyed meeting the author, who was visiting family on St. Croix.
This past Saturday, local author Amy Rose Herrick spoke about life lessons in books she has published on small business ownership, family medical planning, and marriage after retirement.
There are plenty of family events scheduled at the store. From 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday Sage is holding a Halloween event for children ages three through 12. There will be a costume contest, coloring contest, games and more.
Sage holds a monthly teacher appreciation day, offering 10 percent off everything in the store. She is a distributor of Scholastic Books and stocks local high school required reading titles.
There also are handcrafted locally made gifts, jewelry and body-care products.
Monday through Thursday high school students tutor elementary school students in an after-school program for English, spelling, reading and math.
As an elementary school teacher and an adjunct professor at the University of the Virgin Islands, Sage works to infuse her talents into the curriculum to awaken the creative energy in her students. She is the founder and facilitator of the “Poetic Expressions Club” and a past board member of the Virgin Islands Humanities Council.
Her work has been recognized in various publications such as “Treasured Poems of America.”
She discovered her passion for writing in high school and became known among her peers for her writing. Sage is the author of three books. “Hanging with Uncle Eddie” is the story of a child having fun with an uncle. “Shores of a Cinnamon Soul” is a collection of poems and short stories, and “Carambola” is an adult collection of poetry.
Sage also is involved in Velle’s Poccasions, which is “poetry for any occasion,” Sage said. Original poetry is created for occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries or weddings.
Sage said her mother, Jewel Brathwaite, has always supported her and encouraged her to take a leap of faith and open the store.
“I believe opening the store was divine intervention,” Sage said. “If I work hard now, I’ll reap the benefits later.”
Sage, the mother of 11-year-old Ellijah Hermitt, has studied and enjoyed the arts all her life, in particular dance, choir and acting. She believes empowering minds through creative works such as poetry and the arts is the key to success and the key to producing productive citizens.
People can call 340-713-0281 for a schedule of events and to get more information on workshops. The store hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. It is in the East End Plaza across the street from the David C. Canegata Ball Park tennis courts.
