Give Indies Some Love

This Saturday is the fifth annual Independent Bookstore Day, a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country to celebrate these invaluable treasures, which are not only stores but also community centers and local anchors run by passionate readers. Almost 600 indie bookstores will take part with a mix of author appearances, live music, food, scavenger hunts, kids' events, art tables, readings, barbecues, contests, and exclusive books and literary items. You can follow along with Tayari Jones who is holding a Twitter party for Bookstore Day or check out IBD on Facebook using the hashtag #BookstoreDay.

Some of the mystery bookstores joining in the fun include:

• Mystery Lovers Bookshop in Oakmont, PA, with coffee and mimosas, donuts, children's activities and snacks all day, and author visits from Kathleen Shoop and Cameron Brookins
• Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis, MN, is taking part in a city-wide indie event where you can pick up a passport at any participating bookstore and get it stamped for coupons and an entry for grand prizes
• the Mechanicsburg Mystery Bookshop in Mechanicsburg, PA, has coupons for a free used book
• the Cloak & Dagger in Princeton, NJ, will have author chats with Jeff Markowitz, Kellye Garrett, Jane Kelly, and Albert Tucher, as well as giveaways, special discounts and contests, and a sidewalk book sale
• Mysterious Galaxy in San Diego has planned several author events and is participating in a Bookstore Crawl where readers can collect stamps from each bookstore and get free bookish goodies like tote bags, enamel pins, and be eligible to win some great prizes
• Murder by the Book in Houston, TX,will be hosting an encore presentation of Murder By The Book Recommends, where staff members share some of their favorite current and upcoming releases, with all featured titles 20% off, plus giveaways, cake, and wine
• At the Mysterious Bookshop in NYC, if you spend over $100 in-store, you'll receive an exclusive, limited edition 40th anniversary tote bag, the design of which features all the names of authors they've published at the bookshop over the years. 
• Centuries and Sleuths in Forest Park, IL, is celebrating the day with a Spring Wine Walk & Shop and are taking part in a multi-store passport challenge:  visit ten stores in one day and get 10% off at all bookstores listed below for an entire year or visit fifteen stores in one day and get 15% off at all bookstores listed below for an entire year 
• and One More Page in Falls Church, VA (my local store), is holding a bookseller bake-off, book giveaways, hourly raffles, romance-themed drinks, and more.

To find out what your local bookstore has planned to join in the celebrations, check out this handy store locator or this Publishers Weekly article about more Book Crawls - and support your indies!