How to Support Indie Bookstores on Indie Bookstores Day
Have you ever walked into a bookstore and felt right at home? Does the smell of new books send a shiver down your spine? Do shelves lined with books from your favorite genres send you into a whirlwind of reading possibilities? If you love those feelings, the perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for the bookstores that make them possible is coming up. Saturday, April 24, is Independent Bookstore Day!
This annual event takes place on the last Saturday in April. Nearly 200 bookstores from all over the country participate, and each one celebrates in its own unique way. In the past, bookstores have set up art tables, readings, food and drink offerings, and more. This year, there are sure to be plenty of digital opportunities to participate as well.
“I have been to one million independent bookstores. I have met the booksellers who founded them and own them. I have fallen in love with them. Zero jerks on independent bookstores. They just don’t.”
Find a participating bookstore near you.
With nearly 200 participating bookstores, the list of shops to support is staggering. Thankfully, this handy-dandy searchable map can help you find the nearest and dearest bookstores to you. This is also a great opportunity to support minority or women-owned small businesses that have weathered a difficult year. Search the list for women-owned bookstores, like BookWoman in Austin, Texas, or for black-owned bookstores, like Semicolon in Chicago, Illinois. Each store will be running its own specials and events, so don’t miss out! Even if you can’t browse IRL, be sure to check them out on Indie Bound or BookShop. No matter which bookstores you choose to support, know that your participation truly makes a difference.
Join an IBD virtual event.
While IBD falls on April 24, a weeklong of exciting events will lead up to the big day. One of the highlights of this year’s lineup is a conversation with bestselling wellness authors Glennon Doyle and Alexandra Elle (April 22, 7:30 p.m. ET). In addition to authoring the #1 New York Times bestseller, Untamed, Doyle is this year’s IBD author ambassador. Elle is the author of three poetry collections and teaches workshops and retreats to help others find their voice. The exciting events continue until April 24, with conversations on humor, race, justice, drawing, and modern romance. Be sure to check with your local bookstores, too, to see if they’re hosting readings or other special events for IBD.
Shout out your favorite indie bookstore on social media.
Buying books isn’t the only way to get involved. Show some love online! Use #BookstoreShoutOut and #IndieBookstoreDay on Instagram or Twitter to help promote your local favorites, and for a chance to win some free IBD merch. It’s also a good idea to follow the event on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest events and offerings. And if you want to go the extra mile, don’t be afraid to sign up for the Bookstore Day newsletter.
