Overview

• Independent Bookstore Day, now in its 12th year, features over 1,600 participating stores nationwide hosting events, sales, and cultural programming.
• The day underscores the importance of local bookstores as community hubs, supporting literacy, local economies, and underrepresented voices.
• Amazon's concurrent book sale has sparked frustration from indie booksellers and readers, who view it as undermining the spirit of the event.
• Platforms like Bookshop.org are working to channel online book sales back to independent stores, bolstering their financial sustainability.
• Children's literacy and engagement remain a key focus, with indie bookstores fostering young readers' love of books through tailored recommendations and events.