Independent Bookstore Day
Mark your Calendars!
Independent Bookstore Day is the last Saturday in April. IBD 2017 will take place on Saturday, April 29
Independent Bookstore Day is the last Saturday in April. IBD 2017 will take place on Saturday, April 29
Important Dates and Instructions for MIBA-only IBD Items
- June 1 - September 2: Publishers submit one or more ideas with as much detail as possible to Robert Martin at Robert@MidwestBooksellers.org
- September 2-23: Ongoing discussions between MIBA and publishers to refine ideas and determine price, packaging ideas, etc.
- December 16: Final details and preliminary art is due from publishers
- January 15: The MIBA-only Supplemental Bookstore Day catalog goes live at MidwestBooksellers.org and bookstores begin ordering
- February 1: Order deadline for participating bookstores
- February 15: MIBA gives publishers final order numbers to help determine print runs.
- April 1 2017: All books and items DUE at MIBA's offices
- April15: All books ship to bookstores
- April 29: Independent Bookstore Day
Bookstore Rules of Engagement
By ordering books and other items for Independent Bookstore Day, you agree that:
By ordering books and other items for Independent Bookstore Day, you agree that:
- All stores must belong to their regional trade associations
- All stores must order a minimum of 15 exclusive IBD items by February 1, 2017
- All stores must have an account with Ingram.
- All stores must agree to throw a party on Saturday April 29 and publicize the event
Also be sure to visit the Independent Bookstore Day website for updates, schedules, and general information.
Download the Bookseller Information document for IBD 2016.
Download the Bookseller Information document for IBD 2016.
2016 Winter Institute Presentation
Samantha Schoech presented the following on tips and ideas to make a successful independent bookstore day.
Samantha Schoech presented the following on tips and ideas to make a successful independent bookstore day.
2015 Recap and "Lessons Learned"
Hut Landon visited the 2015 Heartland Fall Forum to recap the first Independent Bookstore Day and share some of the valuable lessons we learned in order to help booksellers better prepare for 2016. Find his powerpoint presentation below, and be sure to pay special attention to the suggestions in the final few slides.
Hut Landon visited the 2015 Heartland Fall Forum to recap the first Independent Bookstore Day and share some of the valuable lessons we learned in order to help booksellers better prepare for 2016. Find his powerpoint presentation below, and be sure to pay special attention to the suggestions in the final few slides.
About Independent Bookstore Day
Independent Bookstore Day began in 2014 as California Bookstore Day. Inspired by the success of Record Store Day, which has been celebrating independent bricks-and-mortar record stores since 2007, the folks at the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association spearheaded the inaugural campaign to take place just in their state. When the event was a complete success, they suggested branching out to a national event the following year. 2015 marked the first Independent Bookstore Day in which stores across the nation participated.
Independent Bookstore Day is a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding the more than 2000 independently owned bookstores in the US. Organized jointly by the nine regional Independent Booksellers Associations and with logistical support from the American Booksellers Association, this event has a presence in every state in the US.
This is a day for the people who make up the world of the bookstore—the staff, the customers, and the authors—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a bookstore and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities. Special editions of books, chapbooks, prints, broadsides and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of authors across the country make special appearances. Festivities include readings, book signings, scavenger hunts, recommendation stations, live music, petting zoos, meet & greets with authors and on and on.
Independent Bookstore Day is currently managed by Samantha Schoech, in coordination with the staff of each regional association.
Independent Bookstore Day is a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding the more than 2000 independently owned bookstores in the US. Organized jointly by the nine regional Independent Booksellers Associations and with logistical support from the American Booksellers Association, this event has a presence in every state in the US.
This is a day for the people who make up the world of the bookstore—the staff, the customers, and the authors—to come together and celebrate the unique culture of a bookstore and the special role these independently owned stores play in their communities. Special editions of books, chapbooks, prints, broadsides and various promotional products are made exclusively for the day and hundreds of authors across the country make special appearances. Festivities include readings, book signings, scavenger hunts, recommendation stations, live music, petting zoos, meet & greets with authors and on and on.
Independent Bookstore Day is currently managed by Samantha Schoech, in coordination with the staff of each regional association.
Programming Ideas
In the week leading up to Independent Bookstore Day 2015, Shelf Awareness compiled a list of the fun and inventive programming that booksellers from across the country will be providing for IBD 2015. We're reprinting that list here so booksellers can generate ideas about how they'd like to participate in the future.
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Books & Books, Miami, Fla.: "We'd argue that we never saw a reason to set aside a particular day to celebrate independent book culture because we embody it daily. But as more and more customers--both in the stores and online--go out of their way to mention how grateful they are for the opportunity to support a local bookstore, it's become clear that a celebration is in order. Please join us for the first annual Independent Bookstore Day."
Pegasus Books, Berkeley, Calif.: California Bookstore Day: The Trailer! Common Good Books, St. Paul, Minn.: "We'll also have two pairs of free passes to Nice Ride, so you can visit the other great bookstores in the Twin Cities. Our friends at Moon Palace Books have produced this handy map to help you find them all. Pick up a copy to guide you on your travels." Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, Vt.: "A Tea Party to celebrate OUR independence! The 1st nationwide celebration of Independent Bookstores! Serving teas from Vermont Liberty Tea in vintage tea cups; homemade scones and cakes; and books featuring tea!" Green Apple Bookstore, San Francisco, Calif.: "We are also pleased that John Waters gave Green Apple permission to make 150 of these broadsides to give away on Bookstore Day. All you have to do to get one is post a photo at either store on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with a #BookstoreDay hashtag." Dudley's Bookshop Café, Bend, Ore.: "HUGE thanks to Kristen from Chalked for doing such a fantastic job on one of our upstairs chalkboard-painted doors. Come see us May 2nd on National Independent Bookstore Day when she'll be working downstairs and we'll have her literary themed chalk quotes for sale as part of the day's celebration." McLean & Eakin Booksellers, Petoskey, Mich.: "In celebration of Independent Bookstore Day, each customer who purchases an Independent Bookstore Day item will be entered in a drawing to win one of our favorite store items--the giant giraffe! We know at least a dozen kids (and a few staff members) who would love to give Giraffe a home." Box of Delights Bookshop, Wolfville, Nova Scotia: "Inspiration, conversation and community--all things I've found through the door of my local independent bookshop," said bestselling author Ami McKay. "That's why I'm supporting Authors for Indies. I hope you will too. Who knows what treasures await you?" Titcomb's Bookshop, East Sandwich, Mass.: "We are proud to be part of a vibrant group of independent bookstores here on Cape Cod and throughout the country," said Vicky Titcomb. "We are looking forward to a very fun day. It's also a great opportunity to take time to thank the people who have been coming to our bookshop over the years." (via CapeNews.net)
Unabridged Bookstore, Chicago, Ill.: "We're so excited to be joining up with 11 other Chicago indie bookstores for Independent Bookstore Day.... This is an especially special year for us as 2015 marks the stores 35th birthday!" Among Unabridged's events: "We'll be raffling off seven bundles of books, including a collection of the staff's favorite books, a children's bundle, a young adult bundle, a small press bundle and a full collection of Olive Editions!" Flyleaf Books, Chapel Hill, N.C.: "Jeremy Hawkins, debut author of The Last Days of Video, leads a prompt-writing workshop and craft talk for writers of all experience levels. Bring your notebook and we'll take it from there." Broadway Books, Portland, Ore.: "On this day only, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., we will offer you a special sale to show our deep appreciation for your decades of support: 25% off all hardcover fiction in stock. Holy novel, Batman!" Mystery Lovers Bookshop, Oakmont, Pa.: A suggestion box ("While we celebrate OUR status as an Independent Bookstore, we want to know what we can do to be YOUR bookstore.") and a plot twist: "We're having a hard time keeping it a mystery, but want to let you know... We'll have a big announcement to make on May 2 as well." Wild Rumpus, Minneapolis, Minn.: "Starting at 11 a.m., learn how to paint a sheep with author and shepherdess Joan Jarvis Ellison. Next, have your face painted to look like a sheep by Peace Paint with Ellie, Andrea, and Molly. Finally, have your picture taken as a sheep with a sheep! It's a sheep painting party, complete with two real, live lambs!" Authors for Indies Day: Book City's Danforth Ave. store in Toronto is hosting Guy Gavriel Kay, who said: "The relationship between authors and independent bookstores is one that I love. We sustain each other, of course, but we often reward each other, too.... 'I have always depended on the kindness of booksellers,' as Tennessee Williams didn't quite say. But what, really, can be better for an author than knowing there are people out there grabbing innocent browsers and declaring, 'You must read this book!' " Booksmith, San Francisco, Calif.: "To celebrate the second annual CALIFORNIA INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY, we're transforming the whole store into a Mad Tea Party. Incredible art by Sean Chiki, activities, an impossible number of guests... a symphony orchestra, elephant rides, 863,652 different tea cups, and LEWIS CARROLL HIMSELF. Oh, and hats. And Tea Leaf Reading for tips by Jamie Starzyk, of Queen of Cups Tarot & Tea." Housing Works Bookstore Café: "New York City has always and will always be a great home for independent bookstores. Local bookstores ignite communities and connect readers to authors, and this day will be a celebration and a chance for the whole city to connect," said Molly Quinn, director of public programming. "Even in its first official year, Bookstore Day has already sparked an outpouring of involvement and enthusiasm. We're excited to be a part of the national effort, and thrilled to show off NYC's best gems on this day." (via the Queens Gazette) Burlingham Books, Perry, N.Y.: "I really wanted to do it, because I thought it was cool," said owner Ann Burlingham. "Sometimes it's hard to invite people to come celebrate the independent bookstore, to appreciate us for us and think about why they come here instead of going other places.... I'm treating it as a community event. We've invited people in from other businesses and organizations to connect with people who are coming." (via the Daily News)
Boswell Book Company, Milwaukee, Wis.: "We’ll also have refreshments, a book-themed storytime led by Boswellian Jannis at 11 a.m., and a literary quiz game at 2 p.m., featuring local authors versus local critics." Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, N.H.: "In True Brew Cafe: Marvel themed drink specials, because it's also Free Comic Book Day (we're doing that promotion in support of our neighbors at Double Midnight Comics)." Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ken.: Competing against the Kentucky Derby will be a challenge, but Carmichael's is hosting an "Old Fashioned Derby Party," where participants can "learn how to mix the famed bourbon-based cocktail. There will also be bourbon-smoked items from Bourbon Barrel Foods at the Frankfort Avenue store. And, of course, everyone will listen to the Derby at race time." (viaInsider Louisville) The King's English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, Utah: "Hour-long Seuss-a-thon Story time.... Chow Truck in parking lot.... Stilo Stream Mobile Clothing Boutique." Lauren at Changing Hands shows off IBD tea towelsBarrington Books, Barrington, R.I.: "We are so excited to partner with another Barrington independent for our IBD line up! Stop by BB on Saturday from 11-1 as we kick off our Independent Bookstore Day festivities with complimentary samples from the wonderful folks at MEDICI GELATO!" Books Inc. in the Castro, San Francisco, Calif.: Dave Eggers "will be on hand to help you realize your truest social media self: by editing your dating profile! Yes, Mr. Eggers is really good at words stuffs, which is, after all, what's most important on all those sites!" Canadian Authors for Indies: Nancy Frater, owner of BookLore in Orangeville, Ontario, said authors "are aware of all the challenges in bookselling today, and they clearly support and love their indies by giving back. They just get it. They know that we provide a curated selection, discover new authors and champion local authors, but what's most important to them is the sense of community, the sense of connection that is the local bookstore.... Readers, authors and booksellers form the grand triumvirate in my life. We all need each other, we are all booklovers." (via theCitizen) Avid Bookshop, Athens, Ga.: "The emphasis is on foot traffic and making a physical appearance in a bookstore--a symbol of how integral book-and-mortar stores are in this digital, online world," said bookseller Rachel Kaplan, who is coordinating IBD at Avid. "Bookstores provide space for experiences and not just books, and we want people across the nation to show appreciation for customer-service experiences and not just online (commerce). Like Record Store Day, we want to give back to people who take their time to come out and see us." (via the Banner-Herald) |
Bennington Bookshop, Bennington, Vt.: "Phil and I are looking forward to Independent Bookstore Day," said Linda Foulsham, new co-owner of the bookstore that opened in 1928. "We have planned a special day to thank the Bennington community for their warm welcome and continued support of the bookshop. We are thrilled to be in Bennington and to be part of the downtown business community." (via the Bennington Banner)
Bookends & Beginnings, Evanston, Ill.: Special Guest Storytime with Janet Nolan, author of PB&J Hooray, "which traces the routes the ingredients take to get into your PB&J sandwich. PB&J will be on hand for snacking!" Also: "Have your photo taken for our Facebook page with the title of the book that changed your life, and you'll be entered into a raffle to win a $25 gift certificate (3 winners!)." Brazos Bookstore, Houston, Tex.: "Join us for lunchtime refreshments and drinks to unveil the Brazos Booknook, a brand new artisanal chair designed by New Living!" And: "A drunk coloring party! Starring our brand new coloring book, Hemingwasted: A Loving Look at Literary Lushes.... We'll have wine from Beviamo and Saint Arnold beer on hand." Screening room: Canadian Authors for Indies: The Movie, and BookNet Canada's "15 memorable on-screen indie bookstores." Greenlight Bookstore, Brooklyn, N.Y.: Co-owner Jessica Stockton is "especially excited" about the "author photo booth. Get your photo taken with awesome authors in our festive photo booth! Strike a pose, get crazy with props, or get your favorite book in the picture." Also: "Get your own silly portrait created by awesome local artists Elisha Cooper and Betsy Lewin!" Third Place Books, Lake Forest Park, Wash.: "Exquisite Corpse Writing Project--Calling all writers! Join our collective story project in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day! Each writer will have a 30-minute block of time to contribute; the only rule is you must use the previous collaborator's contribution as inspiration. The result of this collaborative effort will be a book published and printed by Third Place Press." Mrs. Dalloway's Bookstore, Berkeley, Calif.: "Kids' Joke-a-Thon. Come and tell your favorite joke and get the giggles going! Looking for new material? Check out our extensive humor library that includes Monkey Farts, Jokelopedia and, specially available for this day, Funny Ha Ha." Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, Mass.: Mystical Mimosa Brunch, and "local authors Chrysler Szarlan and Suzanne Strempek Shea will be reading palms and lending a hand on the Ouija board. There will also be tarot card readings to look into the future and match you up with your perfect book!" BookPeople of Moscow, Idaho: "Events include a visit by everyone's favorite primate, Curious George, a reading and book signing by Michael Kostroff of acclaimed television show The Wire, and beer tasting with Moscow Brewing Company." Changing Hands Bookstore, Tempe and Phoenix, Ariz: "Only on Independent Bookstore Day... enjoy 15% off everything at our Tempe and Phoenix stores, and happy hour prices all day long at First Draft Book Bar!" Annie Bloom's Books, Portland, Ore.: "We want to champion independent bookstores and our customers who have kept us around a long time in Portland," said store manager Will Peters. "We still have a thriving independent bookstore community. It's as much a celebration and a thank you to our customers as anything." (via the Portland Tribune) Also: "We're partnering with our next-door neighbors The Craft Factory.... they'll be offering book-themed craft sessions and story times."
Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: "The Poet Is In: a group of local poets will staff a booth modeled on The Doctor Is In, the one Lucy dispensed advice from in the Peanuts comic strip. They will spontaneously write poems for anyone requesting one: in the moment, from their hearts, a poetry writing improv with human prompts." Prince Books, Norfolk, Va.: "Poetry & Prose + Biscuits & Beer. A community open mic event with beer and biscuits on sale from The Lizard Cafe!" Canadian Authors for Indies: Twitter Takeover--"To give you a sense of the awesomeness of such an event, we are handing the Twitter keys over to two authors involved: Terry Fallis and Robin Spano. They will be tweeting from @CBCbooks to give you the highlights from Authors for Indies Day." Island Books, Middletown, R.I.: "To thank you all for your support... we will have a GREAT GALLEY GIVEAWAY with any purchase." Also: "Don't miss being part of our First Annual Customer Choice Awards! All customers will get the chance to vote for their favorite book from among the store's best sellers over the last twelve months." Hicklebee's, San Jose, Calif.: "Ask the Magic 8 Ball, which will answer the question 'What surprise does Hicklebee's have for me today?' You may win a balloon, or a book (an advanced reader's copy aka an arc) of a new or recently published book, or a chance to enter a drawing for a copy of a much anticipated future publication... or a Hicklebee's Game Card with which to save some cash while shopping at Hicklebee's throughout the year." Magers & Quinn Booksellers, Minneapolis, Minn.: Impromptu Poetry with Brett Elizabeth Jenkins... "Tell her a secret, and she will write you a poem about it. It doesn't have to be your secret!" Also: "Obscure Book Recommendations" with Rain Taxi Review of Books editor Eric Lorberer... "Stop in and chat with him, and leave with the perfect book you never would have picked up (or even heard of) otherwise." Annapolis Bookstore, Annapolis, Md.: "A podium. You. And Alice in Wonderland. Come celebrate and read with us on Saturday. Throughout the day, we're asking you, our lovely supporters and fellow book lovers to take a turn at the podium, and read from Carroll's classic." McNally Jackson, New York City: Marathon reading of Langston Hughes: "Like Langston, we believe in nothing but books. Like Langston, we're not in Kansas anymore. Join us on Saturday, May 2nd at 5 p.m., to celebrate the first annual nationwide Independent Bookstore Day with a group of stellar writers reading Langston Hughes poems. Like Langston, let books happen to you too." Bluebird Books, Hutchinson, Kan.: "I love being a part of downtown and the Hutchinson literary community," said owner Melanie Green. "Independent Bookstore Day just gives me one more reason to thank my community for their enthusiastic support of Bluebird Books and to remind them of all that we offer." (via theHutchinson News) Canadian Authors for Indies: Nancy Frater, owner of BookLore in Orangeville, Ontario, said authors "are aware of all the challenges in bookselling today, and they clearly support and love their indies by giving back. They just get it. They know that we provide a curated selection, discover new authors and champion local authors, but what's most important to them is the sense of community, the sense of connection that is the local bookstore.... Readers, authors and booksellers form the grand triumvirate in my life. We all need each other, we are all booklovers." (via theCitizen)
Avid Bookshop, Athens, Ga.: "The emphasis is on foot traffic and making a physical appearance in a bookstore--a symbol of how integral book-and-mortar stores are in this digital, online world," said bookseller Rachel Kaplan, who is coordinating IBD at Avid. "Bookstores provide space for experiences and not just books, and we want people across the nation to show appreciation for customer-service experiences and not just online (commerce). Like Record Store Day, we want to give back to people who take their time to come out and see us." (via the Banner-Herald) |
View All Participating Stores Nationwide
2016 IBD Catalog
Orders for 2015 Independent Bookstore Day were due by February 1, but the catalog is available for viewing. Click the image below to download the 2015 Independent Bookstore Day Catalog.
Place your Order
Click HERE to access the online order form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scroll through frequently asked question and answers below.
Three Steps to a Successful IBD
1. Place Your Order
Place an order of a minimum of 15 items. The catalog of special items is available below. Your order form is due on February 1.
Items will be distributed through Ingram and standard discounts apply. All IBD merchandise is non-returnable because these items are created specifically for this event (see our FAQs below for more information).
Tip: We recommend buyers share the catalog with all staffers before placing an order. 1) It’s better to have multiple opinions on which items are going to be popular, and 2) staffers might want their own merchandise. These numbers should be included in advance so you don’t fall short on IBD.
2. Market the Event
Getting your community excited about Independent Bookstore Day is crucial to its success. Because it’s a national campaign, there will be plenty of coverage you can repurpose for your store. Here’s the logos for your use.
Tip: Be sure to follow Bookstore Day on Facebook and Twitter. Social media is the most effective way to communicate with IBD staff and other bookstores and to repurpose their marketing content. Facebook: Facebook/BookstoreDay. Twitter:@bookstoreday
3. Throw a Party
It’s not enough to put the items on your shelf, send a few Tweets, and hope people come. CBD stores found it’s also crucial to create a schedule of events in your store throughout the day, ideally one event each hour.
On May 2, be prepared to have a good time. Decorate your store and take lots of pictures. Let’s broadcast how fun indie bookstores can be and start building anticipation for 2016.
Tip: At Winter Institute, be sure to attend the session Making the Most of Bookstore Day. (It’s on Monday, February 9, 2015.) CBD booksellers will tell you what types of events worked for them.
Please continue to check this page for updates. For specific questions, contact your regional independent booksellers association.
Place an order of a minimum of 15 items. The catalog of special items is available below. Your order form is due on February 1.
Items will be distributed through Ingram and standard discounts apply. All IBD merchandise is non-returnable because these items are created specifically for this event (see our FAQs below for more information).
Tip: We recommend buyers share the catalog with all staffers before placing an order. 1) It’s better to have multiple opinions on which items are going to be popular, and 2) staffers might want their own merchandise. These numbers should be included in advance so you don’t fall short on IBD.
2. Market the Event
Getting your community excited about Independent Bookstore Day is crucial to its success. Because it’s a national campaign, there will be plenty of coverage you can repurpose for your store. Here’s the logos for your use.
Tip: Be sure to follow Bookstore Day on Facebook and Twitter. Social media is the most effective way to communicate with IBD staff and other bookstores and to repurpose their marketing content. Facebook: Facebook/BookstoreDay. Twitter:@bookstoreday
3. Throw a Party
It’s not enough to put the items on your shelf, send a few Tweets, and hope people come. CBD stores found it’s also crucial to create a schedule of events in your store throughout the day, ideally one event each hour.
On May 2, be prepared to have a good time. Decorate your store and take lots of pictures. Let’s broadcast how fun indie bookstores can be and start building anticipation for 2016.
Tip: At Winter Institute, be sure to attend the session Making the Most of Bookstore Day. (It’s on Monday, February 9, 2015.) CBD booksellers will tell you what types of events worked for them.
Please continue to check this page for updates. For specific questions, contact your regional independent booksellers association.
