Saturday, April 28, is a special day in the world of books for book lovers everywhere. National Indie Bookstore Day is celebrated at bookstores throughout the country. Many offer book signings, talks by local authors, refreshments, prizes and lots of fun activities.
It's a great way to call attention to local bookstores. A great day to find some bargains and support your local businesses.
"They are not just stores," according to the IndieBookstoreDay website, "They are community centers run by passionate readers. Lively performance spaces - and quiet places where aimless perusal is a day well spent. In a world of tweets and digital downloads, bookstores are not a dying anachronism. They are living breathing organisms that continue to grow and expand."
One of the things I love about the indie bookstores up here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is the fact that each is unique. Many are located in historic buildings with a story of their own to tell. Each has a unique character. It's a place where everyone knows your name and what kinds of books you love. A place to curl up in a comfortable chair and read your latest acquisition on a cold winter day while listening to soft music in the background. A place to belong.
Some of my local favorites include The Apostle Islands Booksellers in Bayfield, WI, just a hop, skip and a jump from Lake Superior. You can hear the waves lapping - or crashing- against the shoreline as you browse their wonderful selection of books. On Saturday, they are featuring several local celebrity authors, along with refreshments. The winter scene above is a photo of this historic bookstore.
Then there is Hole-In-The-Wall Books and Records, a new store in another historic building on Main Street in Hayward, Wisconsin. It's a perfect place to stop and browse while strolling along Hayward's Main Street with its unique shops and wonderful restaurants. (Pictured in second photo above.)
Redbery Books in the quaint community of Cable, Wisconsin is another favorite. An excellent eatery and coffee shop is located on the premises - the perfect place for a coffee break and time to read a good book. They are offering author readings, refreshments and prizes.
Northwind Book & Fiber in Spooner, WI (pictured in last photo above) boasts an impressive variety of books, including many by local authors. Many readers also enjoy book signings, the yarn shop and classes in various crafts. On Saturday, there will be activities for the kids along with drawings for prizes and refreshments.
Just across the bridge in Duluth, Minnesota there are several very interesting indie bookstores.Zenith Bookstore on Central Ave carries an excellent assortment of new and used books and holds numerous author events and other activities. And Fitgers Bookstore is located in the historic Fitgers Brewery on the shores of Lake Superior. It is a delightful place to shop for books and visit with local authors giving presentations and holding book signings. Why not take a tour of the old brewery at the same time and indulge in lunch at one of their fine restaurants?
Whatever your plans are for this coming Saturday, April 28, I hope it will include a stop at your favorite local independent bookstore!
Stay tuned and please stay in touch.
Janet Kay
http://www.novelsbyjanetkay.com
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