This year, independent bookstores across the country—and the St. Louis region—are celebrating a decade of Independent Bookstore Day. The American Booksellers Association started the party in 2013 as a way for bookstores nationwide to simultaneously celebrate all that’s good about the small shops. Here’s how a few favorites are turning the page.
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At the comic- and graphic-focused bookstore in Webster Groves, the party runs from 10 a.m.–7 p.m. The day starts with coffee and hot chocolate from Cyrano’s and includes musical storytime, button- and bookmark-making, and live music, as well as a wine tasting in the evening. Plus, it’s your first chance to get a Betty’s Books tote bag. 10 Summit.
The Central West End stalwart has specials and giveaways from 10 a.m.–6 p.m., as well as props for your IBD selfies—tag them on social media for a chance at a gift certificate. Blind Date with a Book titles are restocked to benefit the LBB foundation, and the store’s monthly membership comes with a bonus audiobook if you buy with code ‘BOOKSTOREDAY.’ 399 N. Euclid.
Read More: Ready to add to that to-read pile? Head to these local bookstores
Stop by the Webster Groves shop from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for Independent Bookstore Day merch, giveaways, special audiobook promotions with Libro.FM, a collaboration with Sugarwitch Ice Cream Sandwiches, and a bookmark-making station hosted by The Noble Neighbor, the shop’s nonprofit that brings books and authors to underserved St. Louis schools. 7905 Big Bend.
The indie bookstore on the Delmar Loop has live sketching, music and poetry, and crafts and gifts for sale from 11 a.m.–7 p.m. The booksellers will be dressed like book characters, and there will be stickers, snacks, chances for gift cards, and advanced copies of forthcoming books with purchase. 6271 Delmar.
That’s just a handful of the metro area’s great bookstores to visit. Don’t forget to check out additional spots across the region:
- Apotheosis Comics & Lounge (3206 S. Grand, 3359 S. Jefferson)
- The Book House (7352 Manchester)
- Dunaway Books (3111 S. Grand)
- Eye See Me (6951 Olive)
- Hammonds Books (1939 Cherokee)
- Main Street Books (307 S. Main Street, St. Charles)
- The Noir Bookshop (2317 Cherokee)
- Spine Indie Bookstore and Café (1976 Arsenal)
- The Webster Groves Bookshop (27 N. Gore)
