Independent Bookstore Day Set

Independent Bookstore Day will hit stores across the United States on Saturday, April 25, with more than 2,000 shops joining the one-day promotion. (bookweb.org) The American Booksellers Association calls it the 13th annual Independent Bookstore Day and says the event runs in all 50 states, online and in stores. Book Riot reported this year’s edition will feature giveaways, exclusives and store-by-store programming. (bookweb.org) (bookriot.com) In Seattle, 33 area bookstores are participating on April 25, according to KUOW, which said the local celebration also opens a 10-day push for shoppers to visit multiple stores. Seattle Independent Bookstore Day organizers say the Passport Challenge runs through May 4. (kuow.org) (seattlebookstoreday.com) In Madison, 12 bookstores are joining the day with hidden golden tickets, gift-card raffles and other store promotions, according to Madison Magazine. Lake City Books said one golden ticket winner will get 12 free audiobook credits from Libro.fm. (channel3000.com) (lakecitybooks.com) The sales push comes as independent stores keep leaning on in-person events and neighborhood identity to compete with national online sellers. KUOW quoted Seattle bookseller Tom Nissley saying, “Amazon can never be us.” (kuow.org) That local emphasis shows up in the event format. Book Riot said participating stores around the country are advertising live music, prizes and limited-run merchandise to bring customers through the door on a single Saturday. (bookriot.com) Seattle stores are also using the day to reward repeat visits, not just one purchase. A Seattle-area event listing says readers who fill a bookstore passport can claim a discount prize tied to participating shops. (seattlebookstoreday.com) (nwtheatre.org) The event lands on the last Saturday in April, the slot the booksellers association uses each year for the national promotion. This year’s version starts April 25 and, in cities like Seattle, some local campaigns will continue into early May. (bookweb.org) (seattlebookstoreday.com)