Where To Celebrate Indie Bookstore Day
Indy Reads Courtesy Indy Reads
Celebrate the one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country–the 5th annual Independent Bookstore Day. On Saturday, April 27, literary hubs around the state will give a toast to each bookstore that is run by passionate readers. Every location will feature special merchandise only available during the celebration—including a canvas tote bag with the map of Indiana on the front, signed editions of books by well-known authors, and spunky enamel pins. Along with that, each shop is celebrating their own serendipity with events that showcase their individuality. Here are five bookshops who have opened up their doors to bookworms and literary sophisticates alike.
If you’re stumped on what to read next, the best places to find yourself is Viewpoint Books. When you walk into the corner bookshop, the first thing that will catch your eye are the bookshelves filled with Post-it notes on the shelves left by avid readers themselves who want to suggest their favorite title. For the special celebration, local Lucabe Coffee Co. will be serving up free cups of joe and the local artisan and author Michele Pollock will talk about her book Field Guide to the Art of Looking. 548 Washington St., Columbus, 812-376-0078
You’ll find a welcoming plethora of novels with the most beautiful covers and a slew of literary-themed gifts that will satisfy your bookish heart. Named after Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese,” the shop encourages you to pursue the curiosities of your imagination. Expect to see Jake Carr, a former Navy SEAL and author of The Terminal List, offering book suggestions with the rest of the staff. On Sunday, April 28, Carr will do a reading and signing of his book at the same location. 107 S. Water St., Franklin, 317-494-6546
Indy Reads is one of downtown Indy’s bookstores that has a heart for the community, with all sales going to the adult-literacy community. Besides being clad in balloons and handing out celebratory snacks, the shop will have a sidewalk sale of BOGO middle grade-to-teen books—buy one and get the second free. What else to anticipate? Think a signed copy of Angie Thomas’s new title, On the Come Up. 911 Massachusetts Ave., 317-384-1496
Irvington BookshopCourtesy Brittany Darr-Spencer of The Local Radish
Basile History Market at the Indiana Historical Society
Basile History Market is the hub for history buffs. During the celebratory events, you’ll also get a chance to meet three independent authors: Ray E. Boomhower of Mr. President: A Life of Benjamin Harrison, Harrison Michael Murphy of The Kimberlins Go To War, and Rachel Berenson Perry of The Life and Art of Felrath Hines: From Dark to Light. The admission to the History Center is free all day, and you might even win one of the sixteen door prizes. 450 W. Ohio St., 317-234-0020
Among their collection of turn-up-the-volume vinyl records are stacks of books that will be 20 percent off, just waiting to be picked up by bookworms. Interested in a first edition of Hunter S. Thompson’s book The Great Shark Hunt? You could be the one to win the raffle. One last detail: visit between noon and 5 p.m. for an open-mic experience where you can step on stage to share an excerpt of a book that moves you—or maybe a portion of your own writing. 9 Johnson Ave., 317-375-3715
Looking for more? Here are additional bookstores around the state that will be celebrating along with everyone else:
- Kids Ink, 5619 N. Illinois St., 317-255-2598
- Three Sisters Books and Gifts, 7 Public Sq., Shelbyville. 317-392-270
- 4 Kids Books and Toys, 4450 Weston Pointe Dr., Zionsville, 317-733-8710
- Second Flight Books, 2200 Elmwood Ave., Lafayette, 765-250-3368
- Main Street Books, 426 Main St., Lafayette, 765-464-6794
- The Bookshelf, 101 N. Walnut Street, Batesville, 812-934-5800
- Fallen Leaf Books, 45 S. Jefferson St., Nashville, 812-988-0202
- Village Lights Bookstore, 110 E. Main Street, Madison. 812-265-1800
- The Brain Lair, 714 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, 574-400-5572
