EL Reading Nook

Book Lovers’ Night
2025-05-21 09:00 - 23:30 (Africa/Nairobi) | Nairobi Kenya, Kenya
Book lovers night: An evening of stories discussions and bookish fun
Calling All Bookworms! Join Us for an Unforgettable Book Lovers’ Night!
If you’re passionate about books and love to discuss your latest literary discoveries, then Book Lovers’ Night is the event you’ve been waiting for! Whether you’re an avid reader of fiction, non-fiction, or everything in between, this is the perfect evening to connect with fellow book enthusiasts, share your favorite titles, and discover your next great read.
What to Expect:
Book Swap & Recommendations: Bring a book you’ve loved (or want to pass on) and swap it for something new! We’ll also have a “Book Recommendation Wall” where you can share and find great book suggestions.
Book Discussion Circles: Choose from a selection of featured genres—fiction, mystery, fantasy, memoirs, or more—and join a small discussion group to chat about your favorite reads. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary novels, classic literature, or the latest thrillers, there’s something for everyone.
Author Spotlight & Literary Trivia: We’ll spotlight a beloved English-speaking author, and test your literary knowledge with a fun trivia game. Win prizes like gift cards, bookstore swag, and of course, books!
Social & Mingling: Meet new friends who share your passion for reading! Enjoy light refreshments while swapping stories and chatting about your favorite books.
Exclusive Discounts: All attendees will receive 10% off any books purchased during the event, including new releases, bestsellers, and hidden gems.
When:
Where:
RSVP: Not required, but appreciated. Reserve your spot for a night of fun, fellowship, and bookish conversation!
Bonus Perks:
Free bookmarks for the first 25 attendees
A cozy reading nook with free hot chocolate and snacks!

Travel Book Launch
2025-05-14 09:00 - 16:30 (Africa/Nairobi)
My Wild Wonderlands book launch
Adventure Awaits – Let’s Travel the World Together!
Join us for an exciting evening of exploration at our Travel Guide Book Launch & Exploration Night! Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just daydreaming about your dream destinations, this event is for you. We’ll be celebrating the release of A local’s Guide to Kenya:Safari secrets unveiled, a stunning new guidebook filled with expert travel tips, hidden gems, and insider recommendations for Kenya.
What to Expect:
Book Launch & Author Talk: Meet the author of A local’s Guide to Kenya and hear about their journey researching and writing the book. Get insider stories and tips that didn’t make it into the book!
Travel Tips & Tricks: Learn travel hacks, packing tips, and advice for navigating new destinations from seasoned travelers and travel experts.
Interactive Exploration: Explore the world virtually! We’ll have a travel map wall where you can mark your dream destinations, plus a selection of photos, maps, and trivia related to the book’s featured location(s).
Book Signing & Discounts: Be the first to get your hands on a signed copy of the travel guide, and enjoy a special event discount on travel-related books and guides.
Raffle & Prizes: Enter our travel-themed raffle for a chance to win amazing prizes, like a travel gear kit, a voucher for a local travel agency, or even a weekend getaway!
When:
Where:
RSVP: Not required, but encouraged to secure your spot.
Bonus Perks:
Attendees will receive 15% off any travel books purchased during the event.
Exclusive travel-themed goodies for the first 20 guests to RSVP.
Whether you’re an experienced globetrotter or a first-time traveler, this event will inspire your next adventure and help you discover new places to explore. Don’t miss out on this chance to learn, share, and dream about the world’s most incredible destinations!

Meal Prep Workshop
2025-03-15 10:00 - 17:00 (Africa/Nairobi)
Meal-prep workshop: Organize your week with healthy delicious meals
Take the Stress Out of Mealtime with Our Meal Prep Workshop!
If you’re tired of scrambling to figure out what to cook every day, or you want to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen, our Meal Prep Workshop is the perfect solution. Join us for a hands-on class where you’ll learn how to plan, prep, and store meals for the entire week—saving time, reducing waste, and enjoying nutritious, homemade meals every day.
What to Expect:
Meal Planning Basics: Learn how to plan a week’s worth of balanced meals based on your dietary preferences. We’ll cover how to create meal plans that fit into any schedule, whether you’re cooking for one or a whole family.
Efficient Meal Prepping: Discover time-saving techniques to streamline your cooking process. We’ll show you how to chop, cook, and store meals in bulk, so you’ll always have something healthy ready to go.
Batch Cooking & Storage Tips: Learn the secrets of batch cooking, from making large portions of grains, proteins, and vegetables, to assembling complete meals. We’ll also cover the best ways to store your meals to keep them fresh and flavorful all week.
Healthy, Simple Recipes: Get hands-on with easy, nutritious recipes that you can customize to suit your tastes. We’ll provide recipes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including options for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-carb diets.
Portion Control & Nutrition: Learn how to portion your meals for balanced nutrition and control your calorie intake without feeling deprived. We’ll show you how to make meals that are both satisfying and healthy.
Snack & Smoothie Prep: Don’t forget about snacks! We’ll also cover how to prep healthy snacks and smoothies to keep you fueled throughout the day.
When:
Where:
RSVP: Required. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early!
Why Attend?
Save Time & Stress: Meal prepping will free up your evenings and weekends, allowing you to enjoy quick, homemade meals without the daily hassle of cooking.
Eat Healthier & Stay on Track: Whether you’re aiming to eat cleaner, lose weight, or just save money, meal prepping is the key to sticking with your goals.
Family-Friendly & Budget-Conscious: Learn how to prep meals that everyone in the family will love, all while keeping your grocery bill under control.
Bonus Perks:
All participants will receive a free meal prep kit (containers, labels, and a shopping list template) to get started.
10% off on cookbooks, meal prep supplies, and storage containers in-store.
Stop stressing about dinner and start taking control of your meals with our Meal Prep Workshop! You’ll leave with a week’s worth of meals ready to go and the confidence to prep like a pro. Don’t miss this chance to make mealtime easier, healthier, and more organized.
This workshop is perfect for busy professionals, parents, or anyone looking to make healthier meals a part of their routine without spending too much time in the kitchen. By learning how to meal prep effectively, attendees will save time, reduce food waste, and feel empowered to eat well throughout the week.

English Speaking Club
2025-02-22
English speaking club: Practice learn and connect
Join Our English Speaking Club and Improve Your Conversation Skills!
Are you looking to improve your English-speaking skills in a relaxed, friendly environment? Whether you’re a beginner or already confident in English, our English Speaking Club is the perfect place to practice and grow your conversational abilities. Connect with other learners, gain confidence, and have fun while enhancing your language skills!
What to Expect:
Interactive Conversation Practice: Engage in casual, guided conversations with fellow learners and native speakers. Each session will focus on a different topic, from daily life and hobbies to travel, culture, and current events.
Themed Discussion Groups: Break into small groups and dive into specific discussion themes, such as “Talking about Movies,” “Ordering Food at a Restaurant,” or “Describing Your Dream Vacation.” These themes help learners practice useful vocabulary and phrases in real-life contexts.
Language Games & Activities: We’ll incorporate fun language games, role-playing exercises, and icebreakers to help you think on your feet and build your fluency in English.
Pronunciation Tips & Feedback: Our group leaders (native or advanced English speakers) will give you personalized tips on pronunciation, sentence structure, and grammar to help you sound more natural in conversation.
Cultural Exchange: Besides practicing language, you’ll also learn about the culture behind the language, with occasional discussions on English-speaking countries, traditions, and customs.
When:
Where:
RSVP: Not required, but encouraged to ensure we have enough materials and seating.
Why Join?
Friendly & Supportive Environment: No judgment, just encouragement! Our group is designed to make everyone feel comfortable, regardless of your level of English.
Meet New People: Connect with other learners, practice with native speakers, and expand your network of language enthusiasts.
Boost Your Confidence: The more you speak, the more confident you’ll become in everyday conversations, work situations, and travel.
Bonus Perks:
Attendees get 10% off all language-learning books and materials at the bookstore.
Special giveaways for active participants at the end of each session.
Whether you’re new to English or looking to polish your fluency, our English Speaking Club is the perfect place to practice and improve. Come join us and start building your language skills in a fun, supportive setting! We can’t wait to hear your voice!

Children's book author's meet & greet
2025-02-15 13:00 - 2025-03-01 16:30 UTC
Childrens book authors meet & greet: Book signing
Meet the Authors of Your Favorite Kids’ Books!
We’re thrilled to host local and visiting children’s book authors for an exciting Meet the Author event! Hear them read from their latest books, ask them questions, and get your copy signed. This is a great opportunity for kids to connect with the creative minds behind their favorite stories and for budding young authors to get inspiration.
What to Expect:
Author reading and Q&A session
Book signing with photo opportunities
Fun activities related to the books
Special discounts on books by the featured author
When: Saturday Afternoon
Where: To be communicated soon
RSVP: Recommended for guaranteed seating.

Dinner Table Setting & Cutlery Use Course
2025-02-07 10:00 - 2025-02-08 16:30 (Africa/Nairobi)
Dinner Table Setting & Cutlery Use Course: Master the Art of Elegant Dining
Elevate Your Dining Experience with Our Expert-led Table Setting & Cutlery Use Course!
Do you want to learn how to set a formal dining table like a pro? Do you ever wonder which fork to use for the salad or how to hold your knife during a fine dining experience? Our Dinner Table Setting & Cutlery Use Course is designed to teach you the timeless etiquette and skills needed to host or attend any elegant meal, from casual dinners to formal banquets.
What to Expect:
Step-by-Step Table Setting: Learn how to set a beautiful, functional table for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a dinner party, or a formal event. We’ll guide you through each element of the table, from placing the plates to arranging glasses and napkins.
Cutlery and Glassware Etiquette: Discover the proper use of various cutlery and glassware, and learn how to navigate a multi-course meal with ease. From soup spoons to dessert forks, you’ll master the art of eating with the right utensil at the right time.
Napkin Folding and Placement: Learn the art of napkin folding for an added touch of sophistication. We’ll teach you several classic folding techniques and the best ways to place napkins for different types of meals.
Practical Demonstrations & Hands-On Practice: Our expert instructor will walk you through real-life scenarios, helping you understand when and how to use each piece of cutlery, how to navigate tricky courses, and what to do with your utensils when finished with each course.
Cultural Dining Etiquette: Understand dining etiquette across different cultures. Whether you’re dining in the Africa, UK, US, or Europe, we’ll explain the subtle differences and nuances to ensure you’re prepared for any dining setting.
When:
Where:
RSVP: Required. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!
Why Attend?
Confidence in Any Dining Situation: Whether you’re attending a wedding, a fancy dinner party, or a business lunch, you’ll feel confident knowing exactly what to do with each piece of cutlery and how to set your table like an expert.
Impress Your Guests: Hosting a dinner? Learn how to create a welcoming, elegant table setting that will impress your guests and make your meal feel special.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re planning for a holiday feast or an intimate dinner, this course will give you the skills to ensure your table looks stunning and your dining experience is flawless.
Bonus Perks:
All attendees receive a 15% discount on dinnerware, cutlery, and napkin sets from our store.
Take-home guide with illustrated instructions on table setting and cutlery use.
Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or simply want to feel more comfortable in fine dining settings, our Dinner Table Setting & Cutlery Use Course will provide you with all the skills and knowledge you need to master the art of dining etiquette. Reserve your spot today, and get ready to dine with style and confidence!
This course will appeal to those who want to elevate their dining skills, prepare for a special event, or simply learn the basics of formal etiquette. It combines practical learning with a bit of flair, helping attendees feel both knowledgeable and elegant at the table.

Family Cooking Night
2025-02-06 11:30 - 2025-03-10 17:00 UTC
Family Cooking Night: Cookbook Showcase
Cook, Eat, and Learn Together at Family Cooking Night!
Gather the family and join us for a hands-on cooking experience at our Family Cooking Night! Each month, we’ll showcase a popular cookbook and cook a delicious meal together. From easy family dinners to fun desserts, these sessions are designed to get kids and adults working together in the kitchen. At the end of each class, you’ll get a chance to sample what you’ve made and take home a copy of the featured cookbook at a special discount!
What to Expect:
Live cooking demonstration using recipes from a bestselling cookbook
Hands-on participation (kids and adults welcome)
Tasting session of the dishes created
10% off all cookbooks featured during the event
When: The first Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM
Where: To be communicated soon.
RSVP: Required. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early!

Educational Workshops
2025-01-31 10:00 - 2025-03-03 13:30 UTC
Educational Workshops: STEM & Learning for Kids
Learning Made Fun with Hands-On STEM Workshops!
Bring your little explorers to our Educational Workshops, where they can dive into fun STEM activities based on our collection of educational books! From science experiments to math challenges, these workshops are designed to make learning exciting. Kids will get hands-on experience while exploring topics like robotics, engineering, and more — all with the help of our expert educators and engaging books.
What to Expect:
Interactive STEM activities and experiments
Book recommendations tied to each topic
Hands-on learning that kids will love
10% off educational books for workshop participants
When:
Where:
RSVP: Required. Limited spaces available!

Cookbook Club
2025-01-29 15:00 - 2025-02-07 19:00 UTC
Cookbook Club: A Tasting and Discussion Group
Join the Cookbook Club for Monthly Tastings and Discussions!
Calling all food lovers! Our Cookbook Club is a delicious way to discover new recipes, taste-test new dishes, and share your culinary successes with fellow home cooks. Each month, we pick a cookbook and everyone prepares a dish to share. After we sample the recipes, we’ll have a lively discussion about what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned.
What to Expect:
Monthly cookbook selections with recipes to try
A potluck-style meal where everyone shares their dish
Fun discussions on food, cooking tips, and recipe ideas
Discounts on the featured cookbook
When: Last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM
Where:
RSVP: Required. Spaces are limited, so sign up today!

Storybook Saturdays
2025-01-04 10:00 - 15:00 UTC
Storybook Saturdays: Interactive Read-Alouds for Kids
Join Us Every Saturday for Storybook Fun!
Looking for something fun and educational to do with your little ones? Bring them to our Storybook Saturdays for an interactive read-aloud experience! Every week, we’ll be reading a different children’s book and bringing the story to life with games, activities, and more. Perfect for kids ages 3-10, this free event will spark their imagination and creativity while giving parents a chance to enjoy some quiet time too.
What to Expect:
Interactive storytime with a staff member or special guest reader
Fun, themed activities and crafts related to the story
Free snacks and treats for the kids
Special discounts on children’s books after the event
When: Every Saturday at 10:30 AM
Where: To be communicated soon
RSVP: Not required, but recommended to secure your spot!

Storybook Art Contest
2025-04-30 - 2025-06-09
Get Creative at Our Storybook Art Contest!
Do you have a little artist who loves storybooks? Enter them in our Storybook Art Contest! Kids of all ages are invited to create artwork based on their favorite book characters, scenes, or stories. All entries will be displayed in our bookstore, and winners will receive fabulous prizes, including bookstore gift cards and new storybooks.
What to Expect:
Art display in-store for all entries
Categories for different age groups (3-5, 6-8, 9-12)
Prizes for the winners, including new books and art supplies
Book-themed activities and refreshments
When: Submissions due by 14th April 2025. Awards ceremony on 30th April 2025
Where:
RSVP: Not required, but please email us at events@shopvales.com to submit your entry by 12th April 2025.

Educational Book Drive and Donation Event
2025-08-02
Give Back with Our Educational Book Drive!
Help us give back to our local schools and libraries by donating gently used educational books! Drop off your donations at our Educational Book Drive and receive a discount on future purchases as our thank you. Let’s work together to ensure every child has access to the books they need for learning and growth.
What to Expect:
Drop off your book donations
Receive a discount on educational books for your generosity
Community event with refreshments and fun activities for kids
When:
Where:
RSVP: Not required, but please contact us for bulk donations or any questions.
