TAMPA, FL — Now in its second year, Cover to Cover, dubbed “a book fair for grownups,” returns to Water Street Tampa.
Bibliophiles will take over the mixed-use waterfront district on Wednesday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., to celebrate books and the written word.
The event grew out of a one-off event hosted by the district as part of its Sunset Series.
The popular event series featured rotating themes, from summer Solstice to dance and music, but it was the book fair that really grabbed people’s attention, Lindsay English, senior events manager for Water Street Tampa, told Patch. “We knew we needed to make [Cover to Cover] its own thing.”
She believes that Cover to Cover’s popularity stems from a societal change.
“We’re excited to see how books are having such a great comeback. It’s really cool and such a great cultural shift that people are looking to disconnect and get off their phones and use their imagination again,” English said.
Cover to Cover features a traditional book fair area with six local bookstores – including The Book Lounge, Steamy Lit and the Bookstore at Oxford Exchange – various literary vendors and 13 local authors.
There are various book-themed experiences, as well.
In Raybon Plaza, attendees can make their own custom bookmark, try out vintage typewriters and create mini zines.
“[Zines] are just the coolest thing ever. You can make whatever you want out of it,” said English, who only recently learned about the artform. “You can fold a single piece of paper and with one cut make a mini book and you can do anything with it, write recipes or write about the records you’re listening to, review albums. You can make anything for yourself.”
There will be live readings and conversations with area authors, including Ayana Lage, in Via Corazon.
New this year are themed literary lounges at Water Street restaurants, including Predalina, Ash, and Boulon Brasserie and Bakery.
A “Heated Rivalry” activation zone inspired by the book, an LGBTQ+ romance about the relationship between two hockey players, will take place at 3 Corners Pizza during the event. It will feature a DJ playing music from the Netflix series created from the book and a Tampa Bay Lightning pop-up.
There will also be a “reverse library,” English said. Attendees are encouraged to bring used books they want to pass on to others.
“It’s a giant version of the ‘give a book, take a book’ [concept,]” she said. “If people want to, they can bring books to share and take one home.”
Books leftover after Cover to Cover will be donated to the Friends of the Library of Tampa-Hillsborough County.