Author Watt Key to cut ribbon Sept. 23 at Mobile’s new Barnes and Noble

Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine

Reading time: 2 minutes

Watt Key
This homegrown author is making an appearance at the grand opening of Mobile’s new Barnes & Noble location at McGregor Square. (Watt Key)

Mobile is getting a new place to shop for books, and a hometown author is helping make it official.

Barnes & Noble’s new Mobile location at McGregor Square will hold its grand opening celebration Sept. 23, with local author Watt Key serving as ribbon cutter. The bookseller first announced the new location in May, taking over the space formerly occupied by DSW at 3930 Airport Blvd.

Who is Watt Key?

Key was born in Point Clear and grew up on Mobile Bay before attending Bayside Academy in Daphne. He later earned a degree from Birmingham-Southern College and an MBA from Spring Hill College in Mobile, where he still lives with his family today.

He’s best known for his 2006 debut novel “Alabama Moon,” winner of the E.B. White Read-Aloud Award and later adapted into a film starring John Goodman.

Key has gone on to write several more books for young readers rooted in the landscapes of south Alabama, the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi Delta, along with horror fiction for adult audiences under the name Albert Key.

“I’m really looking forward to the opening. I grew up in Mobile and still live here, so it means a lot to be asked to cut the ribbon for a new bookstore in my hometown. Mobile has supported my books from the very beginning, and it’s especially nice to be part of something that brings a new bookstore—and hopefully a new generation of readers—to the community.”

Watt Key, author

Mobile Barnes & Noble grand opening details

Key’s ribbon-cutting and signing kicks off at 10AM on Sept. 23, launching a full slate of opening week events:

  • Sept. 23:
    • Ribbon-cutting and signing with Watt Key, 10AM
    • Face painting, 11AM
    • Author signing with Paul Brueske, noon
  • Sept. 24:
    • Author signing with David Preston, 5PM
  • Sept. 26:
    • Author signing with Paula Lenor Webb, 10AM
    • Author signing with Leslie-Anne Tarabella, 1PM
    • Author signing with Joe Cuhaj, 3PM

Barnes & Noble: (251) 333-2983 | Facebook | Instagram
Address: 3930 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL 36608

Mary Helene Hall
Mary Helene Hall
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