Happy Independent Bookstore Day!  April 29th is the 10th anniversary of the celebration of independent bookstores. It’s a day to visit and support these special parts of our community.

What exactly is an independent book store?

From TCK Publishing: “An independent bookstore (also known as an indie bookstore or bookseller) is a bookstore that is independently owned, and not part of a larger chain retailer (such as Barnes & Noble).”

Why shop indie?

I speak from my many trips to independent bookstores when I say, the experience is so much more personal and special. When you become a repeat customer, you get to know the store owner. You get to talk about your passion for books, and you get the very best personal recommendations. It’s the best. Indie bookstores also serve as a great place for community. More money stays in the community. There are events that support local authors. Some have local book clubs, meet & greets, and more.

How to support your local independent bookstore

First, use Indie Bookstore Finder to find the ones closest to you. Buy online from your local bookstore’s website, or on Bookshop where you choose your favorite bookstore who will receive the full profit from your Bookshop purchases. Also, I use Libro.fm for audiobooks. Again, you pick which store you want the sale to go to and purchase and download your book.

I personally LOVE indie bookstores, and I hope you do to. During a time of ridiculous book-banning, these indie bookstores could use your support. Here’s a list of bookstores in the Boston area, and what some of them are doing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day!

  • Frugal Bookstore in Roxbury

    Frugal Bookstore “Changing minds one book at a time”

    I just love this store, and love the owners Clarissa and Leonard even more. They’ve helped me pick out books, have great book conversations, and I’ll be working with them for the Greater Roxbury Book Fair at their store as well as at the Roxbury Public Library. That will be on May 20th. More info to come.

    Who We Are

    We are a family owned & operated independent bookseller located in Roxbury with a passion for promoting literacy within our community and beyond. We've got all these great books at incredible prices that we want you to see. Don't see what you want, contact us and we'll specially order them.

  • All She Wrote Books in Somerville

    All She Wrote Books at Assembly Row in Somerville is one of my favorite places to spend some time. Christina is the owner and founder, and is one of the most kind, helpful, and badass book people you will ever meet.

    All She Wrote Books is an intersectional, inclusive feminist and queer bookstore that supports, celebrates, and amplifies underrepresented voices through our thoughtfully curated selection of books spanning across all genres.”

    She was so helpful to me when I talked to her for suggestions to learn more about pronouns, transgender people, or just wanted to read a great love story. She, and her store, are what we need more of in the world. Compassion, empathy, and understanding. She also runs online and in-person book clubs, drag story hours, author events, and more. She’ll have a lot going on for Independent Bookstore Day, both in-store and online. Be sure to stop by and say hi!

  • The Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham

    The Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham was founded in 2003 by the incredibly talented author and illustrator Peter Reynolds. At the store, you can find not only books, but toys, art supplies, as well as signed copies of Peter’s books, prints, posters, and cards. I have several of his books and have given them as gifts as well. Peter’s book on creativity called The Dot, is one of my absolute favorites. I was also able to meet and interview him for my previous Sunday show, VOICES with Pebbles.

    “We are “the little shop with a big mission” — to inspire creativity and self-expression in kids and grown-up kids.” – Blue Bunny website

  • Brookline Booksmith

    Whenever I’m in Brookline, I make a stop by Brookline Booksmith. Great books, staff recommendations, events, and a very cool store.

    About Us

    Independent bookselling . . . Brookline Booksmith is one of New England's premier independent bookstores, thriving in the heart of Coolidge Corner in Brookline, Massachusetts since 1961. For more than 60 years, we have been honored to play a vital role in our community and in shaping the greater world of successful and joyful independent bookselling.

  • Porter Square Books in Cambridge and Boston

    Another store I spend a good amount of time at. They also have great author events.

    https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/independent-bookstore-day-2023

  • More Than Words Books in Boston and Waltham

    From MTW website, “At More Than Words, every dollar goes back into our program to empower youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.”

    More Than Words - A non-profit youth run business.

    A nonprofit social enterprise empowering young adults in foster care, court, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.

  • Papercuts J.P in Jamaica Plain

    Woman-owned (yay!) independent bookstore!

    Papercuts Bookshop

    Award-winning, woman-owned indie bookstore in the beautiful Boston neighborhood Jamaica Plain. Est 2014

  • Trident Booksellers & Cafe in Boston

    Welcome to Trident Booksellers & Cafe

    We offer shipping or store pick-up for IN STOCK and PREORDER books only. For all other orders please visit Bookshop.org .

  • Brattle Book Shop in Boston

    About - Brattle Book Shop

    The Brattle Book Shop, founded in the Cornhill section of Boston in 1825, has been in the hands of the Gloss Family since 1949. Over the years George and his son Kenneth built this shop into one of the largest antiquarian book shops in the country.

  • Grolier Poetry in Cambridge

  • I AM Books in Boston

    I AM Books photos

    Photo of I AM Books - "Taking a break in front of I AM Books." - Boston, MA

  • An Unlikely Story Bookstore & Cafe in Plainville

    About Us

    On the site of the historic Falk's Market, Julie and Jeff Kinney have created a cornerstone in downtown Plainville with an indie bookstore, a café and an event space. An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café is a beautiful community gathering place where you can meet amazing authors, enjoy breakfast or lunch, or relax with your new book and a beer (or glass of wine).

  • Beacon Hill Books & Cafe in Boston

    Beacon Hill Books & Cafe

    Beacon Hill Books & Cafe is Boston's newest hangout around the corner, where a lovingly curated selection of reads meets a warm atmosphere, pop-ups and literary events, and a full-range menu of locally sourced fare. This shop is our love letter to Boston.

  • Bedlam Book Cafe in Worcester

    Bedlam Book Cafe photos

    Photo 17 of 25 for Bedlam Book Cafe - Worcester, MA

  • Belmont Books

    Independent Bookstore Day!

    Join us for a day celebrating independent bookstores! 9am - Authors and illustrator Heather Lang and Jamie Harper will be signing copies of their newest book, Supermoms! Animal Heroes .

  • Books & Sundry in Plymouth

  • Bryn Mawr Bookstore in Cambridge

    Bryn Mawr Book Store photos

    Photo 3 of 9 for Bryn Mawr Book Store - Cambridge, MA

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