Page Against the Machine, the independent, progressive activist bookstore in Long Beach, is opening its doors this weekend to host an evening of poetry reading and an open mic — and all proceeds will be going toward a good cause.
The bookstore, located at 2714 E. Fourth St., partnered with the Los Angeles-based group “The People’s Mic,” to host the event on Saturday, July 25, starting at 7 p.m.
The group puts together monthly events of community-based spoken word and music that “unapologetically confronts oppression and its perpetrators, uplifts resistance, and shares the vision and active construction of a just world,” according to organizers, and also serves as fundraisers for local organizations. Saturday’s event will feature a handful of featured readers, followed by an open mic opportunity for attendees.
“The People’s Mic” mission aligns with what Page Against the Machine stands for, said Chris Giaco, owner of the bookstore.
Two of the organizers at “The People’s Mic” had been attending another poetry event that the bookstore hosts on the second Thursday of each month called “Trenches Full of Poets,” and they decided to add the bookstore as one of their host venues, Giaco said.
Organizers are requesting a $5 minimum donation, but no one will be turned away. There will also be light refreshments served as people enjoy listening to poetry and being in community.
Page Against the Machine, a local bookstore in Long Beach, will be hosting a poetry reading and open mic event with the LA-based group “The People’s Mic” on Saturday, July 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Page Against the Machine)
Page Against the Machine, a local bookstore in Long Beach, will be hosting a poetry reading and open mic event with the LA-based group “The People’s Mic” on Saturday, July 25, 2025. (Photo by Christina Merino, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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Page Against the Machine, a local bookstore in Long Beach, will be hosting a poetry reading and open mic event with the LA-based group “The People’s Mic” on Saturday, July 25, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Page Against the Machine)
All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to Órale, a Long Beach-based immigrant rights organization.
Page Against the Machine had hosted fundraising events for Órale before, and with ongoing federal immigration raids in Long Beach and the recent fatal shootings of two men by federal immigration agents, Giaco said this fundraiser was a good opportunity to support the organization’s work.
He added that Órale has been on the frontlines of responding to local federal immigration enforcement operations, as well as supporting immigrant families and individuals affected by the raids.
“I just really respect the work that Órale does,” Giaco said. “They’ve been really laying the foundation for many years.”
While the bookstore may not hold a ton of people, Giaco said that the donations collected through the event will not only help the organization, but will also help people feel good.
“Like with any charity,” he said, “you want to know that when you’re donating to something that it’s going to be used in a worthwhile manner.”
Providing the community a space at Page Against the Machine to share their stories and be in community is more vital than ever, Giaco said. It has always been dedicated to creating that space as an activist bookstore, he added, not only during events but on a day-to-day basis as well.
“You can get online and watch anything, but there’s a completely different energy when people are in the room and in community,” Giaco said. “That’s really why it’s a perfect blend (with) ‘The People’s Mic’ group; that’s what they’re all about. It’s an evening of community and sharing stories and making people feel welcome, reinspired and getting reactivated to go out and fight all the bad things that are going on in the world, which there are many.”
These events are also an opportunity to meet others who care about the same issues, he added, and is a perfect way to combat the negativity. During Saturday’s event, people will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with others at the open mic.
“I always say most of the events I host here, they kind of develop organically,” Giaco said. “It depends on the vibe and the people who show up, but it’s always a warm and welcoming evening and a good chance to connect with community.”
Page Against the Machine is open six days a week, except Monday, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bookstore hosts events every month, and are available on their website at patmbooks.com.