Clutch Collective and The Novel Notion’s first Adult Book Fair draws large crowds in a celebration of books and community.
On March 22, Clutch Collective and The Novel Notion hosted their first-ever Adult Book Fair, drawing hundreds of book lovers from across the region. The event, a nostalgic nod to childhood book fairs, was tailored to adults who continue to revel in the joy of discovering new reads and book-themed treasures.
As the event’s doors opened, eager attendees began lining up outside a full 30 minutes before the official start time. The excitement continued throughout the evening, with the shop remaining packed until the event’s close at 8 p.m.
“We’ve never had so many people in the shop before,” said Sarah Arnold, owner of Clutch Collective. “It was overwhelming to see the line form outside. We’re absolutely blown away by the turnout!”
The event offered attendees a chance to shop for unique handmade literary-themed goods, swap books, and connect with fellow readers. Visitors traveled from as far as Athens, Ohio, to be part of the celebration.
Stacey Saunders, who drove in from Beverly with her family, shared her enthusiasm. “It was amazing to see such a large crowd. The vendors had such cute book-themed items, and the book swap was so much fun. I’m already looking forward to the next one!” she said.
Featured Vendors and Exclusive Offerings
The Novel Notion, known for its whimsical book-themed accessories, had a prominent presence at the fair. Sam Miller, owner of The Novel Notion, set up shop for the first time inside Clutch Collective, offering a range of items including romance trope keychains, handmade pencil pouches, and bookmarks.
Miller sold out of many items, including hand-sewn totes, pouches, and bookmarks. Reflecting on the event’s success, she said, “I had no idea what to expect. But once the doors opened, the turnout exceeded all expectations. It was incredible to see so many people show up from across Appalachian Ohio, and I’m already thinking about the next event.”
Other featured vendors included local artists Eva and Tim Bennett of The Beard and The Bun Pottery, who showcased literary-inspired ceramics, and Sara Flood of Sara & Sybil, who offered handcrafted Kindle covers and book sleeves. Artist Meg McAtee also displayed her custom bookmarks. Additionally, Clutch Collective and Wit & Whimzy provided a selection of bookish paper goods and apparel.
“We had an amazing evening,” said Laura Pytlik, owner of Wit & Whimzy. “The shop was full of people chatting, shopping, and sharing their love of reading. It was exciting to see the reactions to the book-related products and to witness the joy of finding a new book.”
The Book Swap and Community Spirit
One of the highlights of the event was the Book Swap, where over 200 books were donated and exchanged among attendees. Any remaining books were donated to the Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Washington County Public Library.
“Books have always provided an escape, and people are turning to them more than ever to explore different worlds,” said Miller. “This event allowed everyone to share that love for reading in a fun and interactive way.”
Beyond the shopping and swapping, the event also provided a space for community connection.
“It wasn’t just about the books – it was about the community,” Arnold said. “Seeing people bond over shared genres, exchanging recommendations, and celebrating their love of reading made this event truly special.”
Miller echoed Arnold’s sentiment, explaining that for many, the book fair experience brought back memories of childhood excitement. “For so many of us, book fairs as kids were one of the first times we felt a sense of freedom and joy. Our Adult Book Fair let people relive that moment and experience that same rush of excitement.”
With such an overwhelmingly positive response, the organizers are already considering hosting future events. The Adult Book Fair proved that a shared love for books has the power to unite readers, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for community engagement.
