Virginia Maxine Sloop’s passion for banned books is celebrated in “The Book of Love”
If you happen to visit Carrboro’s Cat’s Cradle, you might encounter Virginia Maxine Sloop amidst the energized crowd, engrossed in live music – a familiar sight for those frequenting the venue. Known for her affinity for all things musical, she naturally gravitates towards the music books section in bookstores.
After years of tirelessly seeking out music literature, Sloop began entertaining the notion of a bookstore devoted solely to music books. A brainstorm session with friends, including Mark Smith, resulted in the birth of Read Band Books. Enhancing the experience for the music-crazed, this store is nestled in a snug space within the dynamic artists’ studios of Attic 506, located above the Local 506 in Chapel Hill.
Since its inception in early April, Read Band Books has steadily garnered clientele as its reputation spreads. Sloop has met with varying reactions to her novel concept, emphasizing that people either grasp the idea instantly or find themselves disoriented by its uniqueness. Undeterred by skepticism and propelled by faith, she remains optimistic about its success, firmly believing in its appeal to music enthusiasts.
While her professional role as a realtor sustains her financially, Sloop’s true passion lies in music – a personal narrative echoing the essence of a Nick Hornby novel. Embracing multiple creative ventures, she has explored diverse avenues, from establishing a vintage clothing store to nurturing a boutique label named FEEL/FREE Records. Engrossed in the creative sphere, she actively participates in organizing Dex Fest, an annual roots-rock festival, honoring the late Dexter Romweber.
Sloop’s deep-rooted love for music transcends into her reading preferences, with favorite works like the punk-rock oral history “Please Kill Me” and Patti Smith’s memoir “Just Kids” adorning her literary collection. Noteworthy mentions include Michael Azerrad’s under-ground rock chronicle “Our Band Could Be Your Life” and Tom Maxwell’s local-music history, “A Really Strange and Wonderful Time: The Chapel Hill Music Scene 1989-1999.” These literary gems immensely resonate with her, heralding personal significance and timeless appeal.
Moreover, being a Chapel Hill transplant herself, Sloop’s trajectory embodies a fusion of personal history and music community advocacy. Originating from Lexington, North Carolina, she embarked on her artistic journey at UNC, albeit without attaining a degree. However, her altruistic contributions to the local music scene, alongside her late husband Marc Sloop, radiate a profound sense of community spirit and admiration from fellow music aficionados.
It is evident that Read Band Books emboldens Sloop’s vision to expand its horizons, aspiring to create a harmonious community hub. With future endeavors promising author events and a definitive storefront, the bookstore poised to leave an indelible imprint on the musical landscape. Blessed with unwavering dedication and an inherent drive for growth, Sloop remains steadfast in her ardent pursuit of fostering artistic camaraderie.