Out & About in RI: Book Around’s 2nd Annual Summer Book Festival Celebrates a Growing Literary Community (photos)

Thank you to Herb Weiss, our writer on aging and an author of 3 books, who attended and provided the photos (pictured above)

Hundreds of book lovers, authors, and families gathered at Hope Artiste Village on July 11 as Book Around hosted its Second Annual Summer Book Festival, transforming the historic mill complex into one of Rhode Island’s largest celebrations of books, authors and independent businesses.

Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the free festival featured nearly 80 vendors, bringing together local and regional authors, artists, craftspeople, food vendors and literary organizations for a day dedicated to reading, creativity and community.

Live music also added to the festive atmosphere. Rhode Island musicians Lainey Dionne and Ben Shaw of The Search RI performed throughout the day, providing entertainment as festival-goers explored the exhibits, met authors and discovered new books.

The festival highlighted the growing role of Book Around and Flori Fundamentals, a two-fold operation that started as a consulting agency for authors and has expanded with the addition of their independent bookstore. Since opening in Hope Artiste Village, the bookstore has established itself as a community gathering place for readers through author events, book clubs and literary programming.

For avid readers seeking a more intimate experience, organizers offered a VIP Reader package. Ticket holders enjoyed an exclusive “bookish social hour” from 10 to 11 a.m before the general public arrived. VIP guests also received a complimentary book, a discount on Book Around merchandise, a commemorative festival bookmark and early access to specialty beverage and dessert vendors.

“Everything about this year’s festival was designed with readers in mind,” says founder Alyssa Flori. “While there were some aspects that could use improvement, as there always are, I’m thrilled with how the day went and am already working to put together a bigger, better, and more bookish festival in 2027,” says Alyssa Flori is a local bookseller, content creator, and author consultant who owns and operates Book Around.

The event was made possible through support from sponsors Genuine Fred and American Construction Trades, whose contributions helped organizers expand programming for this year’s festival. Additional community businesses and organizations also supported the event.

Beyond showcasing authors, the festival underscored Pawtucket’s growing reputation as a destination for arts and culture. Hope Artiste Village, a former textile mill transformed into a mixed-use complex of artists’ studios, businesses and restaurants, provided an appropriate backdrop for an event celebrating creativity and storytelling.

Book Around’s founder says the success of this year’s festival represents another milestone for the independent bookstore, which has continued to build a loyal following since opening in Pawtucket. The bookstore has announced plans to relocate to 196 Cottage Streetwhile remaining in Pawtucket, with the move expected to provide additional opportunities for literary programming and community events.

“We’re excited about this next chapter! While the new space is smaller, it will allow my team and I to focus more on our clients through the consulting side, prioritize a more curated selection in-store, and introduce our signature events to new locations across the state,” adds Flori.

Looking ahead, Flori’s hope to continue expanding the Summer Book Festival into one of New England’s premier literary events. Planning is already underway for the 2027 festival, with additional authors, vendors and programming expected as the event continues to grow, she says.