What is Indie Bookstore Day?

INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. We’ve been hyping it up. And we can’t wait. But what is Indie Bookstore Day? Well, let me tell you!!

Indie Bookstore Day is a day dedicated to the love of indie bookstores and to supporting local bookstores that work hard to curate their selections, support their communities, and offer a space for readers to come and get lost in the shelves. Started by the American Booksellers Association, IBD recognizes the work of indie bookstores and also celebrates the customers who support those small businesses. Indie Bookstore Day takes place the last Saturday in April every year, and it just so happens that this year is the holiday’s 10th anniversary! Across the country, hundreds of bookstores will be participating. You’ll find special deals, giveaways, activities, snacks and more depending on the indie you visit. 

For those wondering what an indie bookstore is, it’s a small business where books are sold. You might think of Barnes & Noble or Half-Price Books when you hear the word bookstore, but they’re not independently run. Those bookstores are part of a corporation. With an indie, you often experience a close-knit community of readers who are just as excited to talk about books as you are and are run by small business owners. Independent bookstores offer more than just a place to buy a book. They are places where you can form unique experiences and connections.

In Central Iowa we get very excited for Indie Bookstore Day. It’s one of the busiest days of the year, and we love seeing people come out and support small and local businesses. Last year, Dog-Eared Books participated with five other bookstores in the Central Iowa area to create a passport that encouraged people to visit all indies in the area. We’re bringing it back again, but this year we’ve added another stop! 

This is our way to recognize the special contributions independent bookstores offer. It is a weekend of literary festivities you won’t want to miss. When you visit your first bookstore and make a purchase (no minimum required), you will receive your passport. At each of the seven stores you visit, when you make a purchase, you will receive a stamp. Once you’ve completed your last stop, you will give your completed passport to the last indie bookstore you visit. This will give you a chance to win ONE of SEVEN grand prizes!! You have the weekend of April 29 - 30 to complete your passport. 

Each bookstore participating will have more than just passports for you. At Dog-eared Books you can expect balloons, a special custom Lovie sticker, custom coloring pages and more! We can’t wait to celebrate all weekend for the 10th annual Indie Bookstore Day. We hope to see you there.

Bookstores participating in the Indie Bookstore Day Passport: 

and of course, we here at Dog-Eared are participating, too! We can’t wait to see everyone stop by and say hi!