About the Fair
Founded in 2024, Book Fair at Bel Air exists to celebrate books, reading, and community by connecting readers with authors and creating inclusive, joyful literary experiences for all ages.
What began as a simple idea—dreamed up over a cup of coffee at a Panera Bread table—has grown into a vibrant, all-ages book event rooted in the belief that literacy is a powerful tool for connection, creativity, and lifelong learning. The fair brings together authors, educators, readers, and local partners to create a welcoming space where stories are shared, curiosity is sparked, and community thrives.
Book Fair at Bel Air was founded by Samantha Heil, a career educator and literacy advocate with a passion for joyful reading. Through her work with Samantha in Secondary, Samantha supports teachers and librarians in fostering meaningful reading experiences. She is also a co-author of contemporary romance novels under the pen name E. S. Rosalynn (with her best friend Erin), where storytelling and connection remain at the heart of her work.
As Book Fair at Bel Air grows, its mission remains the same: to make reading accessible, celebratory, and community-centered—because books don’t just tell stories, they bring people together.
Our Story
Book Fair at Bel Air began in 2024 as a grassroots idea brought to life at the Bel Air Armory. That first fair welcomed 40 local and regional vendors and proved there was a strong appetite in the community for an inclusive, all-ages literary event.
In 2025, the fair returned to the Armory and grew to 63 vendors, expanding its reach while deepening its focus on accessibility, community connection, and joyful reading experiences.
In 2026, Book Fair at Bel Air takes its biggest step yet, moving to APGFCU Arena at Harford Community College to accommodate 110+ vendors, expanded programming, and featured authors, including New York Times bestselling writers. This growth reflects both the community’s enthusiasm and the fair’s ongoing commitment to creating meaningful literary experiences for readers of all ages.
Looking ahead, Book Fair at Bel Air aims to continue growing in scale and impact while staying rooted in its core mission: celebrating stories, fostering literacy, and bringing communities together through books. To support its continued growth and community impact, Book Fair at Bel Air is currently in the process of seeking 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
