Springfield bookstores celebrate Independent Bookstore Day — and milestone anniversaries
Two Springfield bookstores have much to celebrate: Independent Bookstore Day and milestone anniversaries.
The 11th annual Independent Bookstore Day, hosted by the American Booksellers Association, is on Saturday. The national "one-day party" is held each last Saturday in April. In Springfield, Bookmarx and Pagination Bookshop are participating in the festivities.
Bookmarx, located at 325 E. Walnut St., is offering 20% of all new and used books on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Limited edition Independent Bookstore Day merchandise and treats will be available while supplies last. Local author Susan Croce Kelly is also hosting a book signing at the store from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday for her latest release, "Newspaperwoman of the Ozarks: The Life and Times of Lucile Morris Upton."
Additionally, Bookmarx is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Joshua Arnett and Aubrey Prugger opened the downtown bookstore in May 2014. While the bookstore opened without any feline friends, Bookmarx is now home to the beloved Googey (also known as the reigning Captain Springfield) and Squash.
Located just a few blocks east at 1150 E. Walnut St., Pagination Bookshop is celebrating Independent Bookstore Day and its fifth anniversary on Saturday. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., exclusive Independent Bookstore Day merchandise and celebratory treats will be available while supplies last.
Jennifer Murvin and Kory Cooper opened Pagination in 2018. Located near the corner of National Avenue and Walnut Street, the bookshop — housed within a home built in 1905 — features a mix of new and used books for both adults and children.
More: Author James Patterson sends $500 bonus to Springfield's Bookmarx in time for holidays
Other Missouri businesses celebrating Independent Bookstore Day
Outside of Springfield, here are nine businesses participating in Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday:
Yellow Dog Bookshop at 8 South 9th St. in Columbia
The Story Collective at 114 S. 7th St. in Saint Joseph
417 Books at 105 S. Commercial St. in Branson
The Novel Neighbor at 7905 Big Bend Boulevard in St. Louis
River Reader Books at 1010 Main St. in Lexington
Neighborhood Reads at 401 Lafayette St. in Washington
Reader's World at 1400 S. Limit Suite 70 in Sedalia
Betty's Books at 10 Summit Ave. in Webster Groves
Stonecrest Book & Toy at 3797 Osage Beach Parkway Suite G-2 in Osage Beach
Each year, the American Booksellers Association releases new, limited edition merchandise that member bookstores can purchase for Independent Bookstore Day. This year's merchandise includes a signed copy of "The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America" by Matt Kracht, canvas "Bans Off Our Books!" pouches, black and white "The Future is Indie" coffee mugs, "Becoming Who We Are: A Trans Anthology" by Lilah Struges and a "Read to Me" baby onesie. The American Booksellers Association also sends free merchandise to members. This year's specials include Independent Bookstore Day bookmarks, stickers, coloring books and activity books.
Swing by the Friends of the Library Book Sale
If you plan on being out and about on Saturday, consider stopping by the Springfield-Greene County Library's Friends of the Library Book Sale inside the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
The sale opened on Wednesday and continues through Sunday. Friday's hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday's hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for half-price day and Sunday's hours are 1-5 p.m. for $1 and $5 bag day. Only cash and checks are accepted. There is an ATM inside the E*Plex.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Bookmarx, Pagination celebrate Indie Bookstore Day, anniversaries
