Shop local for Independent Bookstore Day! Here's a list of Florida book shops to check out

C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

Looking for something to read? Saturday, April 27, is a great time to browse your local indie bookstore during Independent Bookstore Day.

Independent Bookstore Day, hosted by the American Booksellers Association on the last Saturday in April every year, hopes to bring attention to all the locally-owned bookstores where you can get lost in the stacks, stumble across unexpected treasures, run your fingers over the spines, talk to experienced shopowners for great recommendations, and pet the cats.

Participating bookstores may also have some of the new, limited edition merchandise the ABA releases every year, such as the signed copy of "The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America" by Matt Kracht, an exclusive paperback edition of "A Stroke of the Pen" by Terry Pratchett, coloring books, stickers, shirts, mugs and more. Most bookstores will probably take the opportunity for a few sales of their own, plus local author appearances, games and other special events.

Below you can find a list of participating stores. If you can't get out, you also can use online indie bookstore search sites such as Bookshop.org, which lets you search through independent bookstores with money going back into those communities.

"Florida is the front line in the war against book bans, and indie booksellers are fighting for our right to read," said Bookshop.org CEO and founder Andy Hunter. "Independent bookstore day is the perfect time to let them know how much we appreciate them, and the stores will have exclusive editions and events on April 27th to celebrate readers of all ages and tastes."

Independent Bookstore Day: 10 bookstores that inspire and unite in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day

What is Independent Bookstore Day?

Independent Bookstore Day started in California in 2014 to bring customers away from big retailers and back into local shops in their own communities. It was modeled after the highly successful Record Store Day, according to the ABA.

Publishers will often show their support by creating unique, limited-edition books, often in special formats, signed by the authors or with creative add-ons, and fun book-based accessories and clothing only available on Independent Bookstore Day along with free stickers and other handouts.

Which Florida bookstores are celebrating Independent Bookstore Day?

Midtown Reader is an independent bookstore in Tallahassee, Florida.
Midtown Reader is an independent bookstore in Tallahassee, Florida.

While any indie bookstore is worth checking out, these are the ones in Florida celebrating Independent Bookstore Day. The stores indicated will be offering the exclusive IBD merch while supplied last. You also can search the map.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: What is Independent Bookstore Day? Info about online indie bookshop.org

Advertisement