Happy National Independent Bookstore Day!

Design by Claire Anderson-Ramos

The concept of a day to celebrate our Independent Bookstores began in California. In 2014, the statewide celebration included more than ninety bookstores, special events, author's signings and more. This year, all the regional independent bookselling associations agreed to support a National Independent Bookstore Day. More than 400 stores are sponsoring special programs and celebrations. A contest for a national logo for the day was announced and Claire Anderson-Ramos won. That’s her design to the right.

According to Ron Charles, writing in The Washington Post (4/30/15), the number of independent bookstores has increased by more than
twenty-five percent since 2009. That’s great news but they still need our support.

I’ll be visiting my two favorite indies here in my part of North Carolina: McIntyre’s Books in Pittsboro and Quail Ridge in Raleigh, both of which are participating in the national celebration. Instead of being book supermarkets, they each reflect the taste, intellect and great care with which the best books are selected and stocked on their shelves. A visit to either is just plain soul-soothing.

McIntyre’s will be celebrating all day. There will be Storytime and Crafts at 10 a.m. for kindergarten-aged children featuring Click Clack Peep and other barnyard tales and songs.

At 2 p.m., Allan Gurganus will read from and sign copies of Decoy: A Novella and, at 4 p.m., Margaret Bradham Thornton will discuss how her work with Tennessee Williams’ Notebooks and her restoration of a nineteenth century garden led her to write the novel, Charleston.  After the reading, live blues music by Mr. Billy and prosecco! Woo-hoo! Details at mcintyres-books

Quail Ridge Books store has also scheduled a day-long party with refreshments, special giveaways each hour and art projects for kids (3-5 year olds at 10:30 a.m. and 6-10 year olds at 3:30 p.m.). There will be drawings for special prizes from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Customers can also buy “16 unique books and pieces of art created by authors and illustrators just for IBD.” For details, see quailridgebooks.com.

Wherever you are, please make a point of visiting YOUR favorite indie bookstore. We want them to be around for years and years to come!