Booksellers have until this Friday, February 5, to order exclusive, literary-themed merchandise through the Independent Bookstore Day [5] (IBD) catalog; sign up for the event and/or place an order through the order form link [6] now.

Booksellers who place an order for IBD exclusives by February 5 are automatically signed up to participate in the event.

Stores that don't want to order IBD exclusives but still want to promote IBD and throw a celebration either in-store or online on April 24 can fill out the top of the order form and check the box to let IBD know. Those stores will still receive free bookmarks and appear on the searchable map of participating stores.

Booksellers can also purchase the 2021 Bookstore Day canvas tote bag. These bags serve as an important marketing and publicity tool for Bookstore Day celebrations; purchase is not required to participate.

The 2021 Bookstore Day tote bags are sponsored by Simon & Schuster and wholesale for $40 for each multiple of 10 (price includes shipping). The suggested retail price is $10, but stores may set their own retail prices or use them as giveaways and prizes. Tote bags will ship mid-March and can be sold immediately; they will not be available for reorder. Booksellers must order tote bags by Wednesday, February 10. Tote bag orders can be placed on BookWeb.org [7].

Booksellers can also visit IBD staff at Winter Institute, which will be held virtually February 18-20. IBD will have a virtual booth in the Expo area on host platform Hopin. Booksellers can stop by the IBD booth to view an informational video or make an appointment to talk to an IBD staff member, who can help with celebration plans, marketing and PR, and merchandising.

While Independent Bookstore Day will not be mailing physical marketing materials other than bookmarks, booksellers are welcome to use the printable assets available on the event’s website [8]. Bookmarks are set to arrive in mid-March and should be handed out with transactions during the month of April.

Booksellers with questions can reach out to [email protected] [9].