WILMINGTON — The Cape Fear Literacy Council has announced six speakers as part o its annual Adult Storytelling Series, returning this fall with a new venue.
Adult Story Hour is a six-week series of once-weekly events held at Azalea Station in Wilmington’s Cargo District. Modeled after NPR’s “Selected Shorts,” each evening features local authors, artists, and entertainers reading short pieces they love (but didn’t write) to a live audience.
The series will run Tuesdays from Sept. 23 through Oct. 28, 2025, at Azalea Station (1502 Castle St.). Each evening begins with mingling at 5 p.m., followed by the program at 5:30 p.m., and concludes with a Q&A moderated by special guests from WHQR. Drinks will be available for purchase with food options in the Cargo District’s food court.
Tickets are $20 per event or $100 for a season pass. Funds raised from this event will directly support CFLC’s free, personalized adult education programs.
The featured speakers include:
Sept. 23 – Rhonda Bellamy
Founding Executive Director and President/CEO of the Arts Council of Wilmington/New Hanover County. A longtime advocate for the arts, she has received numerous honors and is the host and executive producer of “Around Town with Rhonda Bellamy” on WHQR Public Media.
Sept. 30 – Nina de Gramont
Author of nine books, including “The Christie Affair,” a New York Times bestseller and a Reese’s Book Club pick. She lives in coastal North Carolina.
Oct. 7 – John Jeremiah Sullivan
Award-winning essayist and journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and GQ. He is the author of “Blood Horses” and “Pulphead,” along with being a contributing writer for The New York Times.
Oct. 14 – Anita Thomas
Writer, performer, and Wilmington resident known for her work in advertising and creative writing. She is a longtime Cape Fear Literacy Council volunteer and published her first novel, “Blood Will Tell,” in 2023.
Oct. 21 – Zach Hanner
Actor, musician, stage director, and writer from Mt. Airy, North Carolina. He has appeared in the films “Shallow Hal” and “Radio,” and is active in Wilmington’s theater community.
Oct. 28 – Celia Rivenbark
New York Times bestselling author and award-winning humor columnist, known for her sharp wit and Southern perspective. Her books include “Stop Dressing Your Six-Year-Old Like a Skank” and “You Don’t Sweat Much for a Fat Girl.” She is also a former tutor for the Cape Fear Literacy Council.
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