The Ten Types of People That You Meet at a Book Fair

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

  If you have been to a book fair, then you know that there are several different types people who attend the event. I was in attendance at both the Newtown and New Milford Book Fairs this past week in Connecticut. I love book fairs, because they bring readers together, and often use their proceeds for charitable organizations, such as libraries.

 I had a lot of fun perusing the tables, and speaking with the patrons. While I was there I met the following:

1. The Book Collector- this patron of the book fair is out to claim the most pristine condition hardcovers that can get their hands on. They will often set them neatly in large rolling bags or wagons. They constantly shudder if someone even touches their bag or coughs in the books' direction. They are readers who are often buy multiple versions of their favorite reads, such as UK editions or foreign language editions. They are often fountains of trivia of book variants, and are proud to share their knowledge.
2. The Book Reader- this book browser could care less how the book they want to read looks like. They will pile hundreds of paperbacks into a bag. Many of the books they pick are the first one on the tables that they see they want. They only care about what is in between the covers. If you pass up that ratty-looking paperback with the coffee stain on it, chances are it will be snatched up by a Book Reader. They mainly want to get in and get out, and start reading as soon as possible.
3. The Lister- this patron is serious and on the hunt. They are armed with lists of books that are needed to complete their reading experience. They will often times not read a series until they have acquired the full run. They are fun to talk to, and you can be recommended books that you never heard of.
4. The Book Wannabe- this is that person that is friends with readers, and they do not want to be left out. They tend to fake being a readers, often reciting the movie version instead of the actual book. They pick up books and will say, "This was REALLY good. I hope they make a sequel." They will often leave the sale without purchasing a book.
5. The Tag-A-Long- this person does not want to be at the book fair. They whine and check their watch. They sigh and complain. And they love to scoff at the other book patrons. They repeatedly say that they do not read, and that they find reading stupid. They can be rude and very exasperating. The person they are with will usually ignores them. Ultimately this person will leave the fair and walk around outside and wait until it is time to go.
6. The Book Scanner- this person is armed with a digital scanner loaded with Amazon.com prices. They scan thousands of books in the hopes of finding a vintage book worth a lot of money.They have several wagons or rolling luggage filled with books. I wish them luck. As a online seller, myself, I understand the importance of having excellent stock for your customers. They often get in the way and can be rude, but many of them are also friendly readers.
7. The Educator- this is the person with a U-Boat or rolling luggage that gravitate towards the middle grade, text book, or reference section. They mainly are there to buy books that will help with their students. Many schools do not have the funds for supplies, books, or extra curricular activities. It is often on the shoulders of the teacher to supply these. 
8. The Book Hawker- this is the person that has read so many books that every time someone picks up a book they comment. They swoop in next to you, and begin to explain how much they loved the book. Unfortunately they also sometimes spoil the book's story for you while they laud it.
9. The New Book Buddy- this person is really into reading and meeting other readers. They often are walking around with an arm-full of  books. They are super-friendly and recommend books to you. But, unlike the Hawker, they keep the plot for you to discover. They often exchange Facebook or Twitter pages with you, and recommend BookTube channels for more books. And if you check out their Amazon Wishlists, there is approximately over two hundred books on their TBR.
10. The Child That is Discovering a Favorite Series- I love encountering these children. They are wide-eyed and excited to read a series that you have loved all your life. I met a little girl excited to read Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew. Her mother was my age, and had also read the series, as did I. I love seeing children excited to read.

  Let me know in the comments below what people you have met at a book fair. If you have a comment for me, please leave it below. I would love to know how your reading is going so far this year.

 Also please follow me on my social media platforms, and enjoy shopping with me at eBay and the Book Depository. 
 
  Because there is always time to read this Summer,
   Xepherus3 


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