Dragonfly celebrates anniversary

September 6–26, 2026 @ Dragonfly Book Bar

BRISTOL, TN-VA – Dragonfly Book Bar is celebrating its one-year anniversary Saturday, Sept. 5. Throughout the day, customers can enjoy a variety of sales and specials, including half-price books, Blind Dates with a Book, fun giveawaysand a festive drink. There arealso free birthday cake while supplies last. Owned by Bristol natives Sara Beth Hitt and Rene Rodgers, Dragonfly Book Bar opened at 625 State Street in Bristol, Va.,Sept.4. Created as a bookstore wine bar, Dragonfly offers pre-loved and new books; gifts and branded merchandise; wine, beer, ciderand
non-alcoholic drinks; and a menu curated by Chef T.

Since opening, the bookstore has formed a community of regulars, welcomed booklovers from all over the region and beyond, and hosted author signings, Sip & Paint evenings, local author showcasesand journaling workshops, along with hosting a variety of private events. They also offer free monthly programs: Crafty Afternoon (first Sunday), Dragonfly Book Club (second Monday), Writers’ Gathering (third Saturday), and Games & Puzzles Night (fourth Friday).

“Dragonfly Book Bar came out of our love for books and our community,” says Rene Rodgers. “We wanted to create a 'third space'that felt welcoming, cozyand unique, the kind of place where we’d love to hang out but that also provides a bit of respite in a busy world. We also hope to provide a place for people to celebrate reading and creativity.”

Sara Beth Hitt continues,“We’re so grateful to the folks who have supported us over the past year – from friends and family, to customers and the people who donate used books, to authors and other creative folks, to our downtown partners. We hope that we continue to grow as a business and make a positive impact on our community over the coming years.” Along with celebrating the one-year anniversary, folks are invited to participate in Dragonfly’s September events.

• Sunday, Sept. 6, 2–5 p.m. – Crafty Afternoon: Bring your crafting projects and hang out at the bookstore
• Thursday, Sept.10, 5 p.m. – The Novel in Letters Reading Group: "84, Charing Cross Road" by Helene Hanff (led by King University professor Dr. Karen Shaw)
• Sept. 11–Sept. 13 – Open hours during Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (Friday: 3–6 p.m., Saturday: Closed, Sunday: 12–5 p.m.)
• Sept. 13, 2 p.m. – Book signing with Chad Hutchinson
• Sept. 14, 5:30–6:30 p.m. – Dragonfly Book Club: "The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
• Sept. 19, 3–5 p.m. – Writers’ Gathering: Bring your writing examples or ideas and get feedback and support from other writers
• Sept. 20, 1–2:30 p.m. – Memoir Writing Workshop with Carolyn Koesters
• Sept. 25, 5–6:45 p.m. – Author talk and signing with Sharyn McCrumb
• Sept. 25, 5–8 p.m. – Games & Puzzles Night: Bring your own games or use some of Dragonfly’s
• Sept. 26, 12–2 p.m. – Signing with local author Dawn Banks
• Sept. 26, 5:30–7:30 p.m. – Sip & Paint Evening with Jordan Glover

Category: Achievement, Literature