Independent Bookstore Day
What is Independent Bookstore Day?
Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. This year's event will take place Saturday, April 25, 2026. In addition to authors, live music, cupcakes, scavenger hunts, kids events, art tables, readings, barbecues, contests, and other fun stuff, there are exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day. Since every store is unique and independent, every party is different.
Why are we celebrating independent bookstores?
Independent bookstores are not just stores — they’re community centers and local anchors run by passionate readers. They are entire universes of ideas that contain the possibility of real serendipity. They are lively performance spaces and quiet places where aimless perusal is a day well spent.
In a world of tweets and algorithms and pageless digital downloads, bookstores are not a dying anachronism. They are living, breathing organisms that continue to grow and expand. In fact, there are more of them this year than there were last year.
What incentives are their for NEIBA members to celebrate in-store?
NEIBA publicizes Independent Bookstore Day with a countdown across social media platforms, a dedicated page on the NEIBA website, a homepage post with a map of participating stores, and more. If you have specific plans for your store on this day (including author events, story hours, etc.), please e-mail them to Elizabeth@NEBA.org so we can include you in our event messaging.