Independent Bookstore Day Scheduled for April 24

Based on survey feedback, Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is moving to its regular date of the last Saturday in April for 2021.

Once again, booksellers can expect a hybrid event that mixes in-store and online celebrations. The American Booksellers Association is also planning some new assets and initiatives in support of indies leading up to the day, including a press campaign focused on independent bookstores.

The catalog of exclusive, literary-themed items will go live on the Independent Bookstore Day website on Friday, January 15. Booksellers have until Friday, February 5, to submit their orders.

New this year, booksellers must sign up to participate in order to take advantage of the full scope of IBD merchandise and publicity. Booksellers are not required to order exclusive IBD merchandise in order to participate. Bookstores that sign up are agreeing to participate in IBD by promoting it, creating merchandise displays in-store or online, or observing IBD in whatever way they see fit — virtual events, giveaways, socially distanced outdoor parties, or IBD window displays, for example. Celebration ideas are available on the IBD website.

The order form can be used to sign up for the event (even if not ordering anything); stores that sign up will receive all important Bookstore Day information, marketing materials, and a place on the searchable map.

This year's IBD exclusives include merchandise from Nikki Giovanni, Stephen King and Joe Hill, Nigella Lawson, Jeff VanderMeer, and more.

Booksellers with questions can reach out to [email protected].