Independent Bookstore Day, on April 27, honors independent bookstores around the country and online. This year marks the 11th annual celebration by the American Booksellers Association and features participants from over 1,000 bookstores in all 50 states. With everything from discounts to book signings, Rhode Island bookstores are well represented. Martin House Books in Westerly is even planning their grand opening to coincide with Saturday's festivities.
Many of the participating bookstores will have raffles and giveaways, including Books on the Square and Heartleaf Books in Providence. Others are offering discounted book prices, like arc{hive} book + snackery in Warren where all $3 books will be marked down to $1 for the day, and every book purchase enters you into a raffle for store gift cards. Riffraff Bookstore & Bar in Providence is offering a 10% discount on all books in store and online, so you can even celebrate from home.
Local authors are featured at several locations for book launches and signings. Barrington Books is featuring a double book launch of children's books "Asteroid vs Comet" and "My House, My Family," followed by a musical performance and book signing from Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step.
Ink Fish Books in Warren has two local author signings. Christa Carmen will be signing copies of "The Daughters of Block Island," a dark, gothic novel featuring two sisters and a mysterious mansion full of secrets. She'll be joined by Jessa Maxwell, with her suspenseful thriller about murder at a culinary competition, "The Golden Spoon." Don't miss out on food from Empanada Assassin while you're there.
Wakefield Books is hosting Robert B. Stone, who will be signing copies of "The Chronicles of Benjamin Prescott." This historical novel is set in 18th-century Rhode Island and features pirate treasure and the White Horse Tavern. Sounds intriguing!
Speaking of history, you'll want to check out Curiosity & Co in Jamestown, where they'll be hosting local entrepreneur, author and typewriter fan, Alayne White. Explore her extensive collection of manual typewriters while sipping a glass of wine. You can even type out a note or two of your own!
With so many great events going on all around the state on Saturday, it's the perfect excuse to visit a local bookstore and buy a book. Or visit them all and buy a bunch of books!
