Independent Bookstore Day 2024

Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April.

What Is an Independent Bookstore? An independent bookstore (also known as an indie bookstore or bookseller) is a bookstore that is independently owned, and not part of a larger chain retailer (such as Barnes & Noble). While most consist of a single store, some independent bookstores have several locations.

Indie stores support the local economy, they also host events for authors, and booksellers are always around to give you recommendations. Still, it is impossible for indies to compete with Amazon, which can discount books because they are not their main source of revenue.

For most of the twentieth century, most bookstores in the United States were independent. But as suburban shopping malls became increasingly popular in the 1960s, so too did mall-based bookstore chains, which saw even more expansion through the 1970s and 80s. Now there are basically 3 channels for bookselling. Indies, B&N and Amazon. Guess which of the 3 gives back to their communities more than the others?

". The Institute for Local Self Reliance reports that for every $10 million in sales, local bookstores create 47 jobs. Contrast that with Amazon, which creates just 19, and you might realize that quirky girl hand-selling you a book of poetry is a representative of a powerful economic engine".

If you have a local, indie bookstore in your community you should cherish it and support it the way they support you!

Check out these authors at BookSmart this IBD (April 27th