2019 Interactive Independent Bookstore Day Map Goes Live

Readers awaiting the Saturday, April 27, celebration of the fifth Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) can now use an interactive Independent Bookstore Day map to see the 575-plus bookstores that will be selling the event’s special literary-themed merchandise.

Earlier this year, booksellers had the opportunity to order exclusive books and literary art pieces specially designed for Independent Bookstore Day, and hundreds chose their favorites to share with their communities. The searchable Independent Bookstore Day map features stores that will be offering IBD merchandise, though not all stores will be carrying all items; booksellers should check to see whether their information is correct. If not, changes should be e-mailed to IBD webmaster Zack Ruskin.

Bookstores that did not order IBD merchandise are still invited to participate on Saturday, April 27, by planning in-store celebrations, using the Independent Bookstore Day logo, and ordering Independent Bookstore Day T-shirts and tote bags.

The 20 limited-edition items, available only at participating independent bookstores and only on Independent Bookstore Day 2019, include a signed, special edition of Man-Eaters Vol. 1 by Chelsea Cain, Lia Miternique, and Kate Niemczyk; an exclusive On the Come Up journal with bound-in letter from The Hate U Give author Angie Thomas; an exclusive Elmo’s New Puppy Little Golden Book; and an uncensored, exclusive Charles Bukowski vinyl album. To see all of the 2019 exclusives created for IBD 2019, and for all current information about the event, visit the IBD website.

Visit the Independent Bookstore Day website to learn more about the fifth annual event; the “For the Trade” section includes a month-by-month planning guide, bookseller information and FAQs, and more. Booksellers can follow Independent Bookstore Day on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Booksellers should also keep an eye out for 2019 IBD bookmarks which will be coming to bookstores in the ABA March Monthly Box and are a great way to promote the day. For bookstores that do not normally receive the ABA’s Monthly box, but are still participating in IBD, the bookmarks are still on their way.

Independent Bookstore Day is also holding an IBD Window Display Contest, so booksellers who send up to three photos of their IBD window or in-store displays could win $300. Photos must be sent to [email protected] by April 30 with the subject line “Window Contest.”