ARLINGTON, Texas—Levitt Pavilion was the place to be March 20 with a collaborative book-themed event and a free concert featuring Brad Thompson with DJ Gurrl and a collaborative book-themed event put on by the Arlington Public Library and Pretty Little Things Market.
“We do events like this throughout the entire year,” library service manager Katie Talhelm said. “Reading is basically the building block of any job you’re going to need.”
With more than 2,500 programs offered annually, the library serves people of all ages, from infants to senior citizens, through activities such as book clubs, craft groups and English as a Second Language classes.
Each event is designed to support basic reading and learning skills, even when the activity itself may seem more creative or social. Events like this show how libraries can serve as more than just places to borrow books. They can be centers for learning, creativity, and connection. The goal is to make sure everyone, no matter their age, has access to reading and education.
“We want to support those skills for everyone,” Telhelm said.
As families left the event with books, crafts, and new connections, organizers said they hope the experience will inspire more people to read and stay engaged with their local library. Many vendors were located near the pavilion, offering merchandise revolving around reading and crafting. One of the many vendors was Mark Alan Nobles, who has written many books of historical fiction, folk horror and local histories.
“About six months into it, people who had bought one of the books would come back and buy another one,” he said. “They come back and talk about the stories the same way I feel about them.”
Nobles said his books are based on real people and real events, though he sometimes adds imagined details to help tell the story. Nobles may participate in future events, spreading their stories among local libraries and conventions. For authors and vendors alike, events like this provide an opportunity to build relationships with the public. Nobles said attending book fairs, library programs, and conventions has helped him reach new readers across Texas. He plans to continue traveling to both large conventions and smaller local events to share his work and connect with communities.
There were many other stalls besides Nobles’, selling their own books or ones that were being resold. A “Blind Date with a Book” was one of many examples with an amazing twist to getting people curious about their product.
Lila Lizette Castillo, one of the hosts of the Pretty Little Things Market, said she is proud to be part of the event. She and her family run a booth called Luna Bay, a design shop, and have worked closely with local partners to bring markets and book-themed events to the area. Castillo said these gatherings not only bring together readers but also provide valuable exposure for local vendors.
Throughout the year, Castillo and her team organize multiple events, including book-focused markets and themed gatherings. By attending events regularly, they have been able to grow their business and better understand their audience. She said the continued support from the community has allowed them to expand their efforts and plan a full calendar of events. Castillo and her team host several events throughout the year, many of them focused on books. These include markets and themed gatherings that bring readers together.
“We have the Bookish Bazaar and other events, and we also take part in the summer concert series,” she said. The group plans to host events regularly, sometimes as often as twice a month. “We’ve got a full year of book events happening,” Castillo said.
Volunteers helped create a welcoming and lively environment for families attending the event. Tracy L. Morrow, one of the main volunteers, said the gathering offered something for everyone, from children’s story time to live entertainment. She said that events like this give people a chance to reconnect with friends and meet new ones while enjoying a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Organizers said the event reflects the evolving role of libraries as community hubs. Beyond offering books, libraries now provide spaces for education, creativity, and social connection. By combining literacy programs with community events, they aim to make reading both accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
“We have a lot of concerts, and then we have a Hispanic concert. We have Dream Fest with a lot of main artists,” Morrow said. “It’s really a cool event, and it’s all free.”