Hayward Small Businesses Fill Void with Innovative Communal Spaces
Books On B and Aranea Craft Studio offer Book-to-Movie Club Craft Nights, addressing the need for unique gathering places
As I stood in line outside the Chabot Theater on Castro Valley Blvd, I noticed the crowd gathered for something different than your typical movie night. The majority of attendees were crafters, clutching bags filled with ongoing projects. Despite the theater marquee advertising Moana 2, we were all there to watch Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice.
Once inside, the familiar hum of concession stands and the shuffle of patrons finding their seats filled the room. But this wasn’t a usual cinema experience. A low, welcoming chatter filled the space as people hugged and exchanged greetings. Renee Rettig, owner of Books On B, kicked off the evening with a welcome to the "Cozy Movie & Crafting Night," a collaborative effort she co-hosted with Erin Offutt, owner of Aranea Craft Studio, and Katie Naughton, a passionate advocate for small businesses. Together, they created The-Book-to-Movie Club: Crafty Edition – a space where crafters, readers, and movie lovers could connect in a shared communal space.
Looking around, it was clear that yarn and needle-based crafts were the crowd favorites. I had brought my crochet project and quickly struck up conversations with nearby moviegoers. "What are you working on? Are you using a pattern, or is it freehand? Have you seen the latest trends on Ravelry?" And when it wasn’t all about yarn, the conversation naturally turned to Pride & Prejudice. “Is this your first time watching it? What do you think of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth?”
Unlike a typical movie night, the lights were kept low to allow for crafting and socializing. By the end of the evening, attendees made new acquaintances, and the theater buzzed with the kind of energy that only happens when like-minded individuals come together. This cozy, intimate event highlighted the strength of Hayward’s small business community and its ability to foster spaces for connection and creativity.
“Ah, we’ve only just begun… Now, think on other worthy knitting flicks for our future!” Renee Rettig
The event also highlighted a larger issue: Hayward needs more communal spaces. In September, the city finalized the purchase of the Century Theater on B Street, keeping it out of the hands of private investors. While the lease won’t expire until 2026, the future of the building remains uncertain. The City Council and the Hayward Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) have yet to present a clear plan for what comes next. The City currently lacks a true multipurpose public space outside of schools and churches—a venue for community performances, pop-up events, and other gatherings.
As the city looks to revitalize Downtown Hayward and reimagine the future of the Century Theater, it's clear that small business leaders like Renee, Erin, and Katie are part of the solution. Their event showed the power of gathering in creative ways and also highlighted how small businesses could benefit from access to larger venues. Imagine a Downtown Hayward that offers a unique, community-centered alternative to the typical chain stores and franchises—a space for connection, collaboration, and cultural experiences.
The possibilities for a community-owned Downtown that meets residents’ needs, drives foot traffic, and makes Hayward an East Bay destination are endless. One of the theater's many rooms could be used as a live concert venue or space for cultural and community performances. It could serve as an indoor venue for the weekly farmers market and other pop-up markets. Or the building could become an accessible and affordable interactive family museum.
“Please plan more cozy crafting nights. I’ve seen this circulating on social media and am so happy your doing this for our Bay Area community 🧶🫶” – @sanjaniramkissoon Instagram
Small business leaders are creating the spaces that Hayward lacks. They aren’t waiting for someone else to act—they are building community now. And as they continue to grow The-Book-to-Movie Club: Crafty Edition, their efforts prove that with a little creativity, communal spaces don’t have to be large or formal to be meaningful. Renee, Erin, and Katie are excited to host more screenings and events. Keep up with their future plans on Instagram @booksonb and @araneacraftstudio.