Independent Bookstore Day 2025

One of my favorite holidays is coming soon: Independent Bookstore Day! Independent Bookstore Day falls on the last Saturday in April. It's a marvelous time to visit your favorite indie bookstore and how them some extra love. Publishers often mail goodies for indie bookstores to distribute on this day and many stores host other festivities to celebrate.

Last year, my husband and I were on vacation in North Carolina and we had the pleasure of visiting Main Street Books in Davidson for their Independent Bookstore Day events. The store was absolutely packed. They offered lemonade and nibbles, and after making a purchase, I participated in a wheel spin for a prize. I won a bag with a mix of book-themed goodies from the store, such as stickers and a note pad. Main Street Books was buzzing with energy and it was wonderful to see an indie bookstore getting so much love.

This year, Amazon is trying to take some attention and dollars away from indie bookstores, by hosting a big sale coinciding with independent bookstore day. This is especially icky, as they undercut small businesses year-round, but feel the need to make a big attack on an important day that people show support to indie bookstores. There is a reason that they are called "The Evil A" in the bookworld. I say it a lot, but Amazon simply does not need your business and indie bookstores do. Please ignore this ploy to get your business and stick it to Amazon by shopping indie, and going the extra mile by giving support on Saturday, April 26th.

I will be spending Independent Bookstore Day at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Many Los Angeles areas indie bookstores will have booths at the event and I plan on hitting as many as possible and supporting them. I also plan on showing support on social media. Additionally, I will be on the hunt for shirts/totes/buttons/stickers that say something to the effect of "I Buy My Books from Bookstores, Not Billionaires." If you know where to get this, let me know.

If you like audio books, Libro FM is running a sale right now. Libro FM gives a portion of each sale to indie bookstores, so it's a great way to support indie and still get your favorite audio books.

If you're stuck at home on Saturday, you can shop online, whether with your favorite store directly or supporting your favorite indie through Bookstore.org. If you have many favorite stores and wondering who to support, I have a recommendation. Last spring, our Indiana Box worked with Pete & Freddy's Pages Aplenty. The owner, Maddy, who is kind and lovely, has been battling cancer, while still keeping her bookstore going. Sending some business her way or some social media love, would be great.

If money is tight and you simply can't spend on Independent Bookstore Day, you can still help the cause by spreading the word and encourage others to celebrate the day. You can celebrate by sharing your favorite stores on social media and liking their posts. Anything that gets the word out and keeps the momentum going is important.

I hope that you have a fun independent bookstore day and that you'll share your bookstore hauls and adventures!