FOLEY — Taylor Swift fans filled Dorothy June Booksellers on Friday, Oct. 3, to celebrate the release of the singer's 12th studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl."

The independent bookstore hosted trivia, "Finish the Lyric" games and a listening session, drawing dozens of local fans who sang along to Swift's newest tracks.

Store owner Reide Irwin said the idea for the event came from her own love for Swift's music.

"I like to think I'm one of the world's biggest Swifties," Irwin said. "As soon as I heard the album was coming out, I knew we had to do something. I wanted to be the place that was having this event."

The night featured several local vendors, including Sweet Caroline Co., Blackwell Breads, Isla Wine and Imperfectly Perfect Inspired, each offering Swift-themed products and experiences.

"I have several great friends who are talented local artists," Irwin said. "They helped turn this into such a fun community event."

Blackwell Breads provided "Taylor-approved" sourdough inspired by flavors the singer mentioned on her recent appearance on the "New Heights" podcast, and Isla Wine sponsored complimentary orange champagne spritzes for guests over 21.

Irwin said hosting themed events is a way to connect books with pop culture moments the community enjoys. She has curated several Taylor Swift-related books available in the store, including books for adults and children.

"Any opportunity I have to connect reading with things my community loves, I take it," she said. "We've done a 'Gilmore Girls' fall book event, have a 'Twilight' one coming up, and this album release just felt perfect."

Attendee Morgan Ashleigh said Swift's music has been part of her life for as long as she can remember.

"I've been a fan since I was young," Ashleigh said. "Getting to grow alongside Taylor and her music is why we came tonight."

Hosting events and supporting other local small businesses is not the only way Dorothy June Booksellers is growing. Reid plans to open Telegraph Espresso Bar, a new coffee addition, in the coming weeks.

"We're really excited," Irwin said. "It'll just add to what we already have going on within the bookstore."

From lyric games to friendship bracelets, the event brought Swift's spirit of connection to life — a celebration that left local fans "enchanted" to step into the Showgirl era together. 

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.