Community members interacting at the Bow Market Book Fair, celebrating literature and local culture.
The Bow Market Book Fair in Somerville is returning for its sixth year on June 15, bringing together local book retailers for a celebration of literature. Attendees can enjoy author panels, book signings, children’s activities, and food specials throughout the day, all under the theme of ‘Reading as an Act of Resistance.’ The fair also supports local literacy initiatives, featuring a diverse range of participating vendors. It promises a vibrant day of engagement and community spirit, attracting thousands of book lovers.
The Bow Market Book Fair is set to take place on Saturday, June 15, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Somerville, Massachusetts. The event, which celebrates literature and the local community, marks its sixth year since it first occurred in March 2020, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to close.
This year’s fair is a collaboration among four local book retailers: Tiny Turns Paperie, All She Wrote Books, Side Quest Books, and Read My Lips. The fair originated as a celebration for the anniversary of Tiny Turns and All She Wrote, organized by their owners. It has since transformed into a vibrant event featuring a range of activities, including author panels, book signings, and interactive events.
The 2025 theme for the book fair is “Reading as an Act of Resistance.” Attendees can look forward to an interactive storytime for children, which will showcase five specific children’s books. Children will also have access to play and craft activities in the courtyard, including postcard-making opportunities.
Read My Lips will be hosting a diverse romance pop-up bookstore at the nearby Dearly Studio. Participants can also take part in a cooking-themed activity, as Saus at Bow Market will organize its annual cookbook swap during the event. Attendees are welcome to swap books or purchase from a used selection available at Saus.
In support of local literacy initiatives, All She Wrote will be selling books alongside [b>Narrative Bookshop and Somerville Public Library to help fundraise for the Friends of the SPL. Other participating vendors include Lend A Hand Designs, Indestructible Food, One More Chapter Candle Co., Migration Goods, and My Gaping Masshole.
The fair will feature an author panel titled “Writing as an Act of Resistance,” set to take place at Union Tavern at noon. Book signing sessions with various authors will follow from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Notable authors expected to attend include Luna McNamara, Tara Tai, Aislinn Brophy, Max Gladstone, and Maiga Doocy, among many others. Tickets are required for the author panel, with access links available on the event page.
Throughout the day, Bow Market businesses will provide food and drink specials for attendees to enjoy. In the evening, a literary drag trivia event and charity raffle will occur from 7:30 to 11 p.m., with proceeds benefiting We Need Diverse Books. While entry to the after-party is free, trivia participants will need to purchase tickets to join in.
The Bow Market Book Fair will be located at 1 Bow Market Way, Union Square, Somerville. Last year’s event drew between 3,000 and 5,000 attendees, and the organizers are hopeful for an increase this year as they aim to support literary and social justice charities aligned with the fair’s themes.
The Bow Market Book Fair promises a day full of literary enjoyment, community engagement, and family-friendly activities, setting the tone for a festive celebration of reading and resistance within the local community.
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