Pop-Up Community Book Market

Sunday, March 1
12:00–4:00 PM
Gourmet Girls Café, Pikesville

Join Darling & a Scholar for a cozy Pop-Up Community Book Market at Gourmet Girls in Pikesville!

Browse a thoughtfully curated selection of secondhand books across genres and age ranges—perfect for casual reading, book clubs, or discovering something new. Most books are affordably priced: $5 for small children’s books and $10 for adult titles.

Have gently used books at home? Bring them along to our Book Donation Station! As a thank-you for donating, you’ll receive $5 off your purchase at the market.

Looking for even more great reads? Ask about our new book punch card—12 books for $40—available at the market!

Whether you stay for a few minutes or linger through the afternoon, this market is a welcoming space to browse, discover, and enjoy time with friends in a cozy café environment.

RSVP below for $3 off your entire Book Market purchase.

About Our Partner: Darling & a Scholar

Darling & a Scholar is a community-centered pop-up book market serving neighborhoods across Baltimore County, creating welcoming spaces for readers to gather and connect. We partner with small businesses to host cozy book markets in their spaces, encouraging people to shop local, shop small, and shop consciously. By accepting book donations and keeping prices accessible, we help stories continue to circulate and find new homes within the community. Through curiosity and collaboration, Darling & a Scholar brings books, neighbors, and local businesses together.

About Our Venue: Gourmet Girls

We’re thrilled to host this pop-up at Gourmet Girls, a locally owned café and community space in Pikesville that celebrates good food, good drinks, and good company.

Gourmet Girls serves a full café menu and alcoholic beverages seven days a week, making it the perfect place to relax, connect, and enjoy time with friends. During the market, we encourage you to grab a coffee, enjoy lunch, or treat yourself to a drink while browsing.

The space is intentionally designed to welcome the community—whether you’re stopping in for a meal, hosting a book club, or settling in with a good read.

How to Write Proposals that Win:

On proposal writing structure, preparation, and the process that wins opportunities.

Whether you’re applying for contracts, grants, or partnerships, strong proposal writing is essential and rarely taught.

In this one-hour workshop, you’ll learn proven proposal strategies from a successful proposal writer who has helped secure millions of dollars for organizations across sectors. This practical workshop for small business owners, entrepreneurs, non-profits, community organizers, and other mission-driven organizations focuses on improving proposal writing foundations that can actually increase your chances of getting funded.

Attendees will leave with practical tools, clear guidance, and a system they can use immediately to improve their proposal readiness and secure more opportunities.

Event Details

• Date: March 14th, 2026

• Time: 1:30–2:30 PM

• Cost: Early bird pricing is available for a limited time. Register early to save your spot at a discounted rate.

• Early Bird: $79 (ending Feb 18)

• Regular price: $99

• Format: Live in-person, interactive workshop with Q&A

• Location: Arbutus, MD

Who this is for

• Community organizers seeking funding or contracts

• Nonprofit leaders and staff

• Small businesses and consultants pursuing grants or RFPs

• Individuals new to proposal writing—or rebuilding their proposal writing foundations

In this workshop, you’ll learn:

1. Identify and organize past projects in a way that meets solicitation requirements

2. Write compliant past performance and experience sections using real examples

3. Capture and track key project details (clients, scope, contract value, and impact)

4. Build a simple system to maintain past performance records

5. Organize essential business documents such as certifications, licenses, and insurance

6. Avoid common compliance mistakes that lead to disqualification

7. Read solicitations, manage addenda, and understand what they are signing

Who This Workshop Is For & What You’ll Gain

Small Business Owners
Learn how to write proposals that clearly show your business’s value and increase your chances of winning contracts, grants, and other paid opportunities. Save time, reduce rewrites, and gain confidence pursuing government, corporate, and foundation opportunities.

Aspiring Entrepreneurs & Startups
Get step-by-step guidance on turning your business experience idea into compelling proposals for funding, loans, or incubator programs. Walk away with ready-to-use proposal writing tools and the confidence to approach funders or investors.

Nonprofits
Discover strategies to clearly frame your mission and impact through past experiences and avoid common mistakes that can prevent getting funding. Learn the basics of what makes them say “yes.”

Community Organizers & Civic Projects
Turn your project ideas and work into fundable proposals. Learn how to make proposals concise and aligned with local, state, or federal funder priorities—so your community initiatives get the support they deserve.

Bonus Takeaways for Everyone

• Reusable templates and frameworks to save time on future proposals

• Practical tips from a proposal writer who has secured millions in funding

• Strategies to adapt proposals for multiple opportunities