Now, I’m not just talking about author signings at your local Barnes & Noble. I’m talking about themed parties and events, authors going on tour across multiple states, and bookstores hosting bookish trivia nights. There are endless events filled with people who share a similar interest. One that, in my opinion, has come a long way.
I don’t know about you all, but for me, growing up, these types of events were simply not a thing. The most my local library ever did was hold children’s story time once a week. And, truth be told, reading did not used to be cool. I loathed telling people my favorite thing to do was read because I was always met with backlash. But now? I’d happily scream it from the rooftops. Everybody around me is very familiar with my love for reading. So many people are discovering their love for books, and because of this, more and more opportunities to meet people and discuss this love are becoming available through book-related events.
I feel like almost every week, I see a new convention or event centered around books. Whether it’s an event tied to a specific genre, book series, or author, the response is always astounding.
And one thing about me: I love a romance-themed book night. Like, YES, I would love to paint tote bags and talk about my favorite authors; yes, I would love to do arts and crafts while discussing my lengthy TBR. Of course! These things are so fun, and I love getting to be a part of a community that does such fun and creative things.
Take Tucson for example. We may not be a huge city, but our reader population is strong. We have plenty of local bookstores here that host events periodically. Stacks Book Club, a locally owned bookstore, hosts discussion events for certain books and has an audiobook walk coming up on October 11th, where people can walk together through downtown Tucson and listen to their audiobooks together. I think that is just the cutest idea ever! Local businesses will even host bookish-themed events partnered with activities to create an immersive bonding experience for attendees. Antigone Books on 4th Ave is hosting children’s story times every Saturday from September 5th- October 31st. Even just the simple events can foster both community and a newfound love for books.
We even have an entire festival in Tucson dedicated to books, which Pine Reads is always ecstatic for! The Tucson Festival of Books is one of the largest in the country and welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year. Authors come from all over, indie and mainstream, to participate in panels and sign copies of their books for eager fans. Two years ago, I met Ali Hazelwood at the festival and got two books signed by her and they are my absolute prized possessions! It also features a Children’s Village and a free children’s book tent.
I think it’s so important to have events specifically for kids and get them involved too! The love for reading can start young, and giving kids a safe space to do so is what will keep them coming back for more.
Author signings have become so much more interactive as well, with photo opportunities, personalized signings, merch, themed concessions, and Q&As to involve the audience as much as possible and allow authors to connect with their readers. Things like this are what build community and relationships within the reading world.
Reading retreats have also become a big thing. I’ve seen summer camps dedicated to spending time away from our phones, outdoors, and cracking down on our (never-ending) TBR’s.
The love for both books and reading is always growing, and the ways in which people show their love and choose to celebrate their love are becoming even more unique as time goes on. Needless to say, the opportunities are endless, and as long as the love for books keeps continuing to grow, there will always be a space for readers to gather and connect with each other.
Bryanna Thompson, Pine Reads Review Writer and Social Media Manager