Local & Community
National Book Month Celebrates the Timeless Joy of Reading in Idyllwild
As the world becomes increasingly digital, some readers are rediscovering the simple pleasure of holding a book in their hands.
October is National Book Month, a celebration of reading, authors and the stories that connect people. NBC Palm Springs’ Kai Beach visited Speakeasy Book Market in Idyllwild to meet readers who say nothing quite compares to a traditional paperback.
For some, reading is part of a daily routine that provides comfort and a break from screens. One reader described it as a journey and a warm hug, sharing that even a few pages before bed can turn into hours of reading.
At Speakeasy Book Market, customers say the experience goes beyond the words on the page. The feel of a book, the smell of the paper and the ability to browse shelves full of stories offer something different from reading on a phone or computer.
Tim Parks, a bookseller and reader, said one of the joys of visiting a bookstore is discovering something unexpected. Browsing the shelves and talking with people who can recommend books can lead readers toward stories they might not have found on their own.
Books also offer an opportunity to imagine new places, visualize characters and become immersed in another world.
While technology continues to change how people consume stories, book lovers in Idyllwild are keeping the tradition of reading print books alive, one page at a time.
I’m Kai Beach with NBC Palm Springs.
By: NBC Palm Springs
October 28, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
In 1981, millionaire Thelma Gaston disappeared, leaving her family with decades of unanswered questions. Now, advances in genetic genealogy and forensic technology have helped solve the mystery of what happened to her. After 45 years, Thelma’s identity is restored, and her full story is finally being told. Watch Identifying Jane Doe: Thelma Gaston’s story only on NBC Palm Springs. #coldcase #coachellavalley #solved #nbcpalmsprings #thelmagaston
🚨 EXCESSIVE FORCE ADMISSION: A former Desert Hot Springs police officer has pleaded guilty after using excessive force on two 17-year-old boys during an arrest in 2024. Johnny Acosta, 31, had his felony charges reduced to misdemeanors as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to one year of probation and 100 hours of community service. Acosta was fired from the department following an internal investigation. #DesertHotSprings #PoliceMisconduct #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews
☕️ Social Time: what’s your favorite brand of coffee? And Jerry asks if a K-Cup is an A-Cup. 😂
Zero room for error. Watching this semi clip the mountainside on Highway 74 will have you holding your breath. Does a truck this size belong on a road this narrow? Let us know what you think in the comments👇 #therogginreport #hwy74 #trafficalert #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
El Niño season is here, and the Coachella Valley could see heavier rainfall and flash flooding this winter. Brett Rosen speaks with Palm Springs fire officials about flood dangers, water rescues, and how to prepare. Watch all week on NBC Palm Springs and visit NBCPalmSprings.com. #NBCPalmSprings #CoachellaValley #ElNino #flashflooding
🚨 FORMER COACHELLA SCHOOL EMPLOYEE FACING FELONY SEX CRIME CHARGES A 26-year-old former employee of Nova Academy Early College High School in Coachella is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage student. Brittany Jaramillo of Indio faces multiple felony charges after prosecutors say the alleged abuse occurred in September 2025. Authorities say a tip led to her arrest last week. The school confirms she is no longer employed there. The judge set her bail at $30,000 and she is now out of custody on an ankle monitor. #Coachella #Indio #BreakingNews #CoachellaValley #LocalNews #NovaAcademy
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry.
You know campaign texts are out of control when they text you a video of yourself to tell you how to vote 😆 How many campaign texts have you received this week? #therogginreport #measurep #localnews #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
Meet Amelia McMahon, the woman behind Amelia’s Donuts Bakery & Cafe in Idyllwild, where a passion for baking has turned into a community gathering spot — and an inspiration to other women chasing their dreams. After bringing homemade donuts to the kids at school, Amelia turned that passion into a business. This December, she’ll celebrate seven years in business! ❤️ For National Women’s Small Business Month, we’re celebrating Amelia and the female entrepreneurs making a difference in their communities. Her advice to women who dream of starting their own business? Have a plan, surround yourself with supportive people, believe in yourself, and just go for it! 🎥 Kai Beach shares Amelia’s inspiring story with NBC Palm Springs. #WomensSmallBusinessMonth #WomenInBusiness #SmallBusiness #Idyllwild #WomenEntrepreneurs NBCPalmSprings InspiringStories
Candy and costumes! Halloween is a time for festive fun, but some of those holiday hallmarks can stress out our pets. Patrick Cornell shares tips to keep your fur friends safe through all the spooky excitement.