In The Valley, Press Release

Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day at Let’s Play Books! on Saturday, April 30



 

Join 420 independent bookstores in 48 states for

parties, author readings, in-store events, and

exclusive day-of merchandise.

 

Emmaus, PA, April 30, 2016 Bookstore Day marks its second year of celebrating independent bookstores nationwide on April 30th, with literary parties around the country.

Let’s Play Books! will be celebrating with members’ only early hours, children’s author story time with Joe McGee, a meet and greet with CHASE from Paw Patrol, free activities on the porch, and an owner’s reception. “We have something for everyone – from babies to grandparents! A true family experience.” says owner Kirsten Hess.

Let’s Play Books! will also offer exclusive day-of merchandise created especially for Independent Bookstore Day by major publishers and authors. Since its inception in 2014, more than 120 authors have demonstrated their support for independent bookstores by donating work for Bookstore Day. You can follow Independent Bookstore Day at Let’s Play Books on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/events/472913162896198/

The second annual National Independent Bookstore Day is sponsored in part by Penguin Random House, Ingram, and The American Booksellers Association. Last year participating bookstores saw an average increase in sales of 70% on Independent Bookstore Day. “We had a marvelous Independent Bookstore Day—5.5 times the sales from last year on this date. But the best part was the many customers who came in to celebrate!” said John Paul from Letterpress Books in Portland, Maine.

“I love Bookstore Day because it is a large-scale communal event that joyously celebrates the literary ecosystem and shows how symbiotic the relationship is between readers, writers, and bookstores is, and how essential they all are in sustaining the contemporary written word,” noted Lauren Groff, 2016 Bookstore Day Author Ambassador. Groff is the author of Fates and Furies, Arcadia, Delicate Edible Birds, and The Monsters of Templeton. 

Independent Bookstore Day is proud to announce a selection of exclusive books and art pieces for Bookstore Day 2016. These limited edition, unique items will be available only at participating IBD bookstores, on April 30. Not before. Not online. And not in chain stores.

 

Children’s items include:

  • Raymie Nightingale
    ○ A special signed & numbered edition of the new novel by two-time Newbery Award winner Kate DiCamillo. Includes a special note from Kate.
  • X is For…”
    ○      This vinyl record companion to the New York Times bestselling Rad American Women A-Z features Angela Davis, Rebecca Solnit and is great for kids of all ages.
  • Duck & Goose Print
    ○      This wonderful pro-reading, pro-friendship print was drawn especially for Bookstore Day by Tad Hills, the bestselling creator of the Duck & Goose books.
  • Neil Gaiman Coloring Book
    ○      This book features colorable illustrations by Chris Riddell from Neil Gaiman’s Coraline; The Graveyard Book, and Fortunately, the Milk.
  • Curious George® plush doll
    ○      This collectable Curious George® plush doll sports a t-shirt that reads READ TO ME on the front and the IBD logo on the back.

 

Adult items include:

  • A $6 Story from Ann Patchett
    ○      The first in what is sure to become a favorite IBD series, $6 Story: The Care & Feeding of an Independent Bookstore by Ann Patchett includes three instructive essays and is signed by Ann Patchett.
  • Literary Tea Towels
    ○      This set of two 100% cotton flour sack tea towels feature quotes on reading from David Mitchell and Anna Quindlen.
  • Perfect Burger Print
    ○      A limited, signed print, this beautifully illustrated guide to making the perfect burger from Anthony Bourdain is perfect for hanging in your kitchen.
  • Bookstore Cats Pouch
    ○      This handy 100% cotton canvas zippered pouch was designed by Out of Print and featuring portraits of real bookstore cats.

 

About Independent Bookstore Day

Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) is produced by writer and former bookseller Samantha Schoech in partnership with the Northern California Independent Booksellers Association. Pete Mulvihill, co-owner of Green Apple Books in San Francisco, spearheaded the launch of the event in 2014 after noting the success of Record Store Day. www.indiebookstoreday.com

You can follow IBD on Facebook at (facebook.com/BookstoreDay), Twitter (twitter.com/bookstoreday), and Instagram (instagram.com/indiebookstoreday).

 
Information provided by:
Kirsten Hess
Kirsten@letsplaybooks.com