\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNew businesses open in Central Florida all the time, but it’s not always that they have a specific mission for the community in which they’re in.Bookburn Cafe and Social’s mission is to sow unity and disruption.”It’s a place that amplifies marginalized voices,” is how owner Jonny St. Ana described it as we sat at the corner of the bar, located inside the former Whippoorwill Beer House space on South Street near Bumby Avenue.St. Ana’s always wanted to have a business, but exactly what type didn’t come into focus until the past couple of years.”Bookburn came from my outrage that essential reading literature, things that we were all required to read in high school, were banned,” he said.That is why St. Ana welcomes people to go inside, grab a drink or a snack, and read one of several banned or challenged books right in the middle of the shop. The bookcases hold George Orwell’s “1984,” Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and Sara Greun’s “Water for Elephants,” among others. Those are also some of the titles school districts in Central Florida have banned or challenged over recent years, after a 2023 state law required each district have a policy for challenging books.”The literature has been so important to so many of us to develop our empathy, to develop our view of the world, and the view of history and things that happened,” St. Ana said of his support for the books.But Bookburn isn’t just about that. “‘Jenda Studies’ is kind of like a book-club-meets-nightclub,” Cory Cordero said.Also known as Jenda Envy while performing in drag, Cordero hosts “Jenda Studies” at Bookburn. The event mixes art with learning, in hopes of creating another kind of “third-space” where people can find community.”The main thing is we want any performer, whether you’re in drag or not,” Cordero said. “I want you to come to ‘Jenda Studies,’ do a little research on the theme, come up with a number, and I want you to have your moment.”Cordero said the event was born in partnership with St. Ana and out of their own desire to connect with people.”I get so, so nervous trying to talk to people because I’m always like, ‘What? What do I talk about? How do I relate to these people?'” Cordero said. “At ‘Jenda Studies,’ everyone has a research topic, we’re all on a unanimous theme (…) you can talk to everyone, you can interact with everyone.”St. Ana said visibility is “everything,” which is why it’s important for him to host several events every week inside the space.And so far, customers seem to agree.”People deserve to feel comfortable wherever they are,” Finn Kapnick said while sitting on the couch inside.Bookburn Cafe and Social is open every day, and late into the evening Tuesday to Thursday.Easy Luck Coffee and Bodega leased a space inside the building. According to a post on social media, they will be moving to a new location in August.\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\tORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n
New businesses open in Central Florida all the time, but it’s not always that they have a specific mission for the community in which they’re in.<\/p>\n
Bookburn Cafe and Social’s mission is to sow unity and disruption.<\/p>\n
“It’s a place that amplifies marginalized voices,” is how owner Jonny St. Ana described it as we sat at the corner of the bar, located inside the former Whippoorwill Beer House space on South Street near Bumby Avenue.<\/p>\n
St. Ana’s always wanted to have a business, but exactly what type didn’t come into focus until the past couple of years.<\/p>\n
“Bookburn came from my outrage that essential reading literature, things that we were all required to read in high school, were banned,” he said.<\/p>\n
That is why St. Ana welcomes people to go inside, grab a drink or a snack, and read one of several banned or challenged books right in the middle of the shop. <\/p>\n
The bookcases hold George Orwell’s “1984,” Maya Angelou’s “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” and Sara Greun’s “Water for Elephants,” among others. Those are also some of the titles school districts in Central Florida have banned or challenged over recent years, after a 2023 state law required each district have a policy for challenging books.<\/p>\n
“The literature has been so important to so many of us to develop our empathy, to develop our view of the world, and the view of history and things that happened,” St. Ana said of his support for the books.<\/p>\n
But Bookburn isn’t just about that. <\/p>\n
“‘Jenda Studies’ is kind of like a book-club-meets-nightclub,” Cory Cordero said.<\/p>\n
Also known as Jenda Envy while performing in drag, Cordero hosts “Jenda Studies” at Bookburn. The event mixes art with learning, in hopes of creating another kind of “third-space” where people can find community.<\/p>\n
“The main thing is we want any performer, whether you’re in drag or not,” Cordero said. “I want you to come to ‘Jenda Studies,’ do a little research on the theme, come up with a number, and I want you to have your moment.”<\/p>\n
Cordero said the event was born in partnership with St. Ana and out of their own desire to connect with people.<\/p>\n
“I get so, so nervous trying to talk to people because I’m always like, ‘What? What do I talk about? How do I relate to these people?'” Cordero said. “At ‘Jenda Studies,’ everyone has a research topic, we’re all on a unanimous theme (…) you can talk to everyone, you can interact with everyone.”<\/p>\n
St. Ana said visibility is “everything,” which is why it’s important for him to host several events every week inside the space.<\/p>\n
And so far, customers seem to agree.<\/p>\n
“People deserve to feel comfortable wherever they are,” Finn Kapnick said while sitting on the couch inside.<\/p>\n