The Books Bus at Starland's First Friday
The Books Bus, a mobile bookstore, took a detour to the Starland First Friday event on October 7 to give kids and adults alike the chance to board the bus and get back to the books.
“It’s always been a great event because a lot of people come out and the community really supports local businesses,” says Kaitlynn Perry, owner of The Books Bus. “I always try to keep a local section of books towards the back [of the bus] so people can enjoy local authors and things of that nature.” Perry also enjoys being there not only to expand her business, but to support others as well, and this event is perfect for finding a business that was not known in the Savannah area.
The Books Bus sells new and used books of all genres for all ages. It has been open for about two and a half months with lots of success and many pop ups. Perry embarked on creating this business in January 2022. She officially opened The Books Bus on July 19 after rebuilding the interior of the bus and converting it into an enjoyable and accessible bookstore. She named the bus Betty, and since then they have been going to pop-ups all over Savannah.
Prior to this event, The Books Bus has made itself known at the Islands Farmers Market, Coastal Empire Beer Co., and even in the center of town at Collins Quarter at Forsyth Park. The Books Bus started showing up for Starland Districts First Friday event at Two Tides Brewing Co. and has now been invited in by Sulfur Studios.
Starland First Friday is a monthly event with some stores starting as early as noon and going as late as 10. Businesses offer deals and discounts to give newcomers a chance to experience their products. Temple Day Spa offered Infrared Sauna sessions, Bull Street Library hosted an outdoor movie showing, and Riverside Tattoo and Nomad Society gave flash tattoos, Tarot readings, and CBD Products and tastings.
First Friday gives small and locally owned businesses a chance to expand their clientele and social media followings as well as get a head start on profit for the month. Since it is hosted at a popular location in Savannah, all of the stores there can participate and the empty sidewalks make a good space for students with businesses to set up a table for people to look at their artwork and products. Starland District includes areas such as Bull Street, W 41st Street, and Habersham Street, as well as some of the intersecting roads.
Interested businesses wanting to be vendors can apply to take part in this event by reaching out to Starland First Friday’s Instagram and messaging them for the qualifications, just like The Books Bus did two months ago.
For more information about Kaitlynn Perry and The Books Bus, find her on Instagram at thebooksbus.
For more information on Starland First Friday, check out starlandfirstfridays on Instagram.
Tweet: The Books Bus took a quick detour to the Starland First Friday event on October 7, fully stocked with genres from nonfiction to fantasy. Owner Kaitlynn Perry brought her bus full of new and used books as part the local businesses invited by Sulfur Studio’s to take part in the monthly event.
Video: https://youtu.be/ivn9VosVzz4n
