Grown-Up Book Fair Recap: Where Nostalgia Meets New Stories

Our first-ever Back to Cool Grown-Up Book Fair at the Tacoma Armory was nothing short of magical! This wasn’t just a book fair—it was a journey back to our Scholastic-filled childhoods, complete with all the community, excitement, and fresh bookish finds you’d hope for.

With a curated selection from local vendors like Clover Daydreams and ADHD Book Club, there were plenty of unique books, from nostalgic gems to new favorites by local authors, just waiting to be taken home.

The day was filled with enchanting moments, including a captivating Drag Queen Story Time featuring Cleo Nova and Love Spell, whose performances brought warmth, laughter, and a bit of fabulous flair.

Beyond the books, friends mingled over nostalgic snacks from Crème de la Crème Charcuterie and perfectly brewed themed coffee drinks from Luv a Latte, savoring the simple pleasure of leafing through new reads with a cup in hand. Our carefully curated Back to Cool playlist from Libro.fm set the perfect mood, transporting everyone back to those early reading days with a grown-up twist.

Another highlight was our lineup of talented local authors, who brought fresh stories and perspectives to reading enthusiasts. Kassidy Coursey shared her stories and exciting characters in a new anthology, Cozyish. Gunther Hammel captivated readers with his insightful reflections on stoicism and Julie Baldock brought handmade ceramics paired with original poetry collections.

These authors didn’t just bring their books—they brought conversations, excitement, and inspiration, making the book fair a space where stories and voices came to life.

Of course we brought more than books! In addition to our book swap, other interactive activities included a nostalgic yearbook photo booth from Dress Up Box and Body by Anam provided permanent jewelry for an elevated friendship bracelet moment.

Check out some of the great yearbook photos!

From new friendships to fond memories shared, the spirit of community shone brightly. It was a day to celebrate our love for books, connect with fellow book lovers, and revive a bit of our childhood spirit.

The fair was made possible by our amazing sponsors like Camp Bar , Peaks & Pints, and Lakewood Bookstore, who each added a special touch to the event.

We’re beyond grateful to everyone who made this day possible and are already looking forward to bringing you more nostalgic, one-of-a-kind events.