Independent Bookstore Day takes place each year on the last Saturday of April. Organizers call it a one-day national party celebrated in a variety of ways.
"Every store is unique and independent, and every party is different. But in addition to authors, live music, cupcakes, scavenger hunts, kids events, art tables, readings, barbecues, contests, and other fun stuff, there are exclusive books and literary items that you can only get on that day. Not before. Not after. Not online."
There are ten indie bookstores around the state taking part this year, four in Northeast Ohio. (See interactive map below)
5 things about books and Independent Bookstore Day:
1. 457 stores from around the country are participating, up from around 430 last year and 365 in 2015.
2. 48 states are represented, with only Hawaii and Arkansas missing
3. Books sales rose in 2015 and again in 2016, according to Publishers Weekly.
"Most print formats had an outstanding year (2016), with hardcover up 5.4%, trade paperback up 4%, and board books up 7.4%."
4. Mass merchandisers (e.g. Walmart, Costco) didn't have a great 2016 in book sales. But sales climbed 5 percent for independent and chain bookstores, as well as Amazon. (Source: Publishers Weekly)
5. Adult nonfiction and juvenile fiction were the biggest sellers of 2016. (Source: Publishers Weekly)
MAP: Find a participating store near you
RELATED: Are books dead? Cleveland independent bookstores continue to adapt in the digital age
