Book Fairs & Conventions: 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 of people who attend the event. I love book fairs, because they bring readers together, and often use their proceeds for charitable organizations, such as libraries.

 I have a lot of fun perusing the tables, and speaking with the patrons. While I am at a book fair I always 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 often buy multiple versions of their favorite reads, such as UK editions or foreign language editions. They are often masters of information on 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 ones 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 this patron. 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 oftentimes 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 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. As an online seller, myself, I understand the importance of having excellent stock for your customers. I wish them luck. 
5. The Educator- this is the person with a U-Boat or rolling luggage that gravitate toward the middle grade, textbook, or reference section. They mainly are there to buy books that will help their students. Many schools do not have the funds for supplies, books, or extracurricular activities. It is often on the shoulders of the teacher to supply these. 
6. 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. 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 are approximately over two hundred books on their TBR.
7. The Child That is Discovering a Favorite Series- I love encountering these children. They are wide-eyed and excited to read a series that their parents or relatives read when they were children. 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 you love about book fairs.

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 Because there is always time to read,

 Xepherus3

 All written content (c) Copyright 2023 by Thomas Bahr II

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Book Fair photography (c) T.L. Bahr