{"id":261737,"date":"2026-04-22T21:33:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T21:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/261737\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T21:33:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T21:33:09","slug":"dallas-book-event-build-community","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/261737\/","title":{"rendered":"Dallas Book Event Build Community"},"content":{"rendered":"

The book baddies and bros in the city <\/a>are buzzing about the third installment of a BookNik, a literary event structured like a festival with authors, vendors and the main event: a book swap. The next event will be at Lofty Spaces (816 Montgomery St.) in The Cedars from 12 \u2013 4 p.m. on April 25.<\/p>\n

The event came to fruition when the hosts of two Dallas book clubs (Booked & Busy and Books & Brown Sugar) crossed paths at each other\u2019s events. The teams, realizing they had a lot in common, decided to join forces for a doubly large literary fest. <\/a>The \u201cneighborhood book party\u201d plans to pour into the community, providing a space for vendors and avid readers to connect and socialize. The first iteration of BookNik was in June 2025, and since then, it has only grown in popularity. Still in its infancy, BookNik is getting its footing while creating a new literary culture in Dallas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI pulled up [to a Booked & Busy event], and it was so dope,\u201d Taevia Norris of Books & Brown Sugar Co. says. \u201cI posted it on my socials, and a lot of people from my community were like, \u2018Yo, why you ain\u2019t tell us about this?\u2019 When I was there, I just saw BookNik in my head, and I told [Shaquille \u201cShaq\u201d Anderson of Booked & Busy] about it. We met, and the rest is history\u201d.<\/p>\n

Both clubs promote equitable literary opportunities for Black readers, and their collaborative event shares the same mission. <\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t just for people who already read; this might be the opportunity for someone to start,\u201d says one of the organizers, Colby Brown. <\/p>\n

BookNik was initially inspired by a massive spring break festival in Atlanta in the \u201990s called Freaknik, which particularly served students at historically Black colleges and universities. Norris, an Atlanta native, says the party of Freaknic is what inspires the liveliness of BookNik.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s kind of like mixing medicine and candy,\u201d she says. \u201cPeople think that reading is boring, books are boring, and we\u2019re trying to show people that reading is a vibe. Books are a vibe.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"BookNik attracts book lovers to sold-out literary events in Dallas. <\/p>\n

After the past two events, held at Wild Detectives and White Rock Brewery respectively, BookNik needed a bigger venue, but the founders hope they\u2019ll have to venue-shop in other cities as they continue to write their story.<\/p>\n

\u201cFreaknik was known for being in Atlanta; we are going to be everywhere,\u201d says Anderson. <\/p>\n

With less than a year under their belts and three events in, one of the organizers, Chase Griffin, says the team already has offers from multiple cities interested in hosting the series. <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s less about the transaction and more about connection,\u201d Griffin says. \u201cI think this event breaks a stigma [about] readers\u2026 It\u2019s about building a community.\u201d <\/p>\n

Community building doesn\u2019t stop at new friendships bound by a love of books; the event also benefits small local Black businesses and authors, giving them a place to gain exposure. <\/p>\n

\"\"BookNik aims to be much more than just a book fair. <\/p>\n

\u201cWe are really diligent and intentional about the vendors we have, and having indie authors\u2026,\u201d says Norris.<\/p>\n

Even if you\u2019re not an avid reader, it\u2019s still an event for you. Expect to see smiling faces, food and amazing vendors at every future BookNik. But make no mistake, it\u2019s not your average adult book fair. <\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest difference is community,\u201d says Griffin. \u201cA book fair is great, but it\u2019s more transactional. This event is about connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you want to have a lit time at the next BookNik, remaining tickets are $15<\/a>, or $20 at the door. For details about the next event, keep an eye on the official Instagram page. <\/a><\/p>\n

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