Get ready, bookworms. Independent Bookstore Day is almost here.
“Independent bookstores are not just stores, they’re community centers and local anchors run by passionate readers. They are entire universes of ideas that contain the possibility of real serendipity. They are lively performance spaces and quiet places where aimless perusal is a day well spent,” says indiebookstoreday.com, explaining the inspiration behind the event.
On Saturday, April 28, shop owners and book lovers around the country will celebrate with parties, sales and exclusive merchandise that can only be purchased on that day.
At least four stores in Utah have announced their participation in the fourth annual event — including Ogden’s Booked on 25th; The Printed Garden in Sandy; Weller Book Works in Salt Lake City; and The King’s English, also in Salt Lake.
In fact, they’re teaming up to host a bookstore crawl. Shoppers can visit any of the four shops to pick up a passport, and if it is stamped by all four locations on the day of the event they will be entered to win various prizes, including gift certificates.
The staffers at Booked on 25th are preparing for a busy day on Saturday, according to store manager Lutgart Seawell.
The first 30 customers will receive free cinnamon rolls from nearby Lavender Kitchen, Seawell said, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Among numerous perks and activities in store for patrons on Saturday are free audiobooks, raffles, book discounts and author signings, Seawell said.
From 1-2 p.m., local author and survivalist Eric Boettcher will be there to sign his books. And from 5-6 p.m., Ogden-based young adult novelist B.A. Simmons — who pens science-fiction adventures such as “The Archipelago Series” — will do the same.
Among other guests that day are photographer Mark Seawell, who will have his photos of Southern Utah on display, and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance.
All books related to nature and wilderness will be 20 percent off, and 10 percent of the sales will be donated to SUWA.
Those interested in supporting a good cause will also have the opportunity that day to register as a sponsor of Booked on 25th — a new program that the shop will be launching in conjunction with the event, Seawell said.
Though the offerings vary from store to store, all participants will have similar Independent Bookstore Day 2018 merchandise — stuff like character plush toys, T-shirts, tote bags, art prints and book journals.
For more information, visit bookedon25th.com or call the Ogden shop at 801-394-4891.
Standard-Examiner Copy Editor Andrea Harvey can be reached at aharvey@standard.net. Follow her on Twitter at @andrearharvey or “like” her Facebook page at Facebook.com/AndreaHarveyJourno.
