In what has become an annual Independent Bookstore Day tradition, "thank-yous" and unlimited exclamation marks were the prevailing themes among booksellers expressing gratitude to customers on Saturday, though the word "wow" made notable appearances as well. Social media was buzzing with #IBD2024 excitement. Here's a sampling:
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| At Bookends and Beginnings | |
Bookends and Beginnings, Evanston, Ill.: "We opened on this Independent Bookstore Day with a line waiting outside! It's been a packed day so far--the bar and store are open until 6, and what better way is there to end your IBD crawl than with a glass of wine and a good read?"
Well Read Books, Elk River, Minn.: "I truly do not even have the words. Our opening day was beyond anything we ever dreamed of. The love and support from this community was nothing short of incredible. Thank you to everyone who came out and who were here in spirit. And thank you for your patience when the crowds and lines were longer than we expected."
Reads by the River Books and Gifts, Waterford, Wis. "WOW!! What a day!! You guys sure brought the love for Indie Bookstore Day!... After that first crazy couple hours, it was a steady stream of customers all day long, many regulars and many first-timers, and you were all so gracious with your support and kind words!"
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| At Eagle Eye Book Shop in Decatur, Ga., authors Mary Kay Andrews and Wanda Morris. | |
The Yankee Bookshop, Woodstock, Vt.: "What a day! Thank you to everyone who came by today to show us some love--we hope you felt it too. We can't do what we do without the support of our reading community, and we know it. So thank you for all that you do to help keep your community lively and bright. We're so glad we get to be a part of it."
Belmont Books, Belmont, Mass.: "Happy Indie Bookstore Day!!! We has such a blast today giving away blind dates with a book, free treats and giveaways, and getting to see some amazing authors and have them sign their books! Thanks so much to all of our amazing customers for shopping local and visiting their local indies!!"
Commonplace Reader, Yardley, Pa.: "Independent Bookstore Day was Totally Awesome!! Thanks to all who attended, and all who support us throughout the year! We love our booklovers!"
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| At Neighborly Books | |
Neighborly Books, Maryville, Tenn.: "A great big thank you to everyone who came out for Independent Bookstore Day! What a great celebration of community it truly was.... We love being part of downtown and love it when you refer to Neighborly Books as 'your store.' "
Booksweet, Ann Arbor, Mich.: "Readers, thank you SO MUCH for sharing your joy, love of reading, and support with us on #IndependentBookstoreDay and every day! We've always operated under the guiding idea that when you show up for your community, they show up for you. Sometimes that philosophy is just so visible, so palpable. We appreciate you so much."
Harriett's Bookshop, Philadelphia, Pa.: "Ever been to a Blk woman owned bookshop w/ a Blk woman frying fish in the backyard while you book browse? Us neither. Thank you to everyone who came and made #IndieBookstoreDay a #JukeJoint at Harriett's."
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| Bridal party book crawl at DIESEL | |
DIESEL, A Bookstore, San Diego, Calif.: "Join us for the SD Book Crawl today, tomorrow and Monday!... We had a bridal party doing the crawl and lots of book lovers! Don’t miss it!"
Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ky.: "Thank you everyone for a fantastic Independent Bookstore Day! Here are just a few pics from the beautiful, busy, booklovers' dream of a day."
Sunshine Book Co., Clermont, Fla.: "Happy Independent Bookstore Day! Thank you for showing up!... Thank you for shopping local. Thank you for reading with us!"
Watermark Books & Cafe, Wichita, Kan.: "We loved seeing so many people come out and celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with us even with the cloudy weather!"
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| At Octavia Books | |
Octavia Books, New Orleans, La.: "Happy #IndieBookstoreDay. Thanks to everyone who helped us celebrate and thanks for choosing to shop indie."
Novel Bay Booksellers, Sturgeon Bay, Wis.: "Whew, empty shelves, tired booksellers and full hearts!! Thanks for making this an Indie Bookstore Day the best one yet!! We are so lucky to have such wonderful community and customers that let us share our love with you all!!"
Books on the Square, Providence, R.I.: "We had such a wonderful #independentbookstoreday today! Thank you to all who came out to support our lovely store."
The Little BOHO Bookshop, Bayonne, N.J.: "A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out yesterday to celebrate INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY with us. Whether online or at the bookshop, we loved that you stopped by! To all of you shopping with us for the first time this past week, thank you for shopping small, and welcome to The Little Boho Bookshop family! We know that you have option and we're thankful, most grateful you chose us!"
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| At Blue House Books | |
Blue House Books, Kenosha, Wis.: "Wow. Wow. Wow. I am so incredible shocked, grateful, and feeling so unbelievably blessed. Our amazing community and friends really showed up for our Independent Bookstore Day event yesterday. This is the biggest event we have ever hosted, with about 200 people for the panel discussion and about 350 people at Blue House Books throughout the day."
Neighborhood Books, Presque Isle, Maine: "Again, I'm left feeling like I don't have the right words. The amount of support you show us is absolutely incredible. We worked so hard to put on an amazing day for you all, and you SHOWED UP FOR US!! Just like you always do! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!"
Wheatberry Books, Chillicothe, Ohio: "Thank you to everyone who came out to support us yesterday on Independent Bookstore Day! We had the best time, and hope that you did too."
Monkey and Dog Books, Fort Worth, Tex.: "That's a wrap on #indiebookstoreday! Sophie is worn out from her duties as official greeter. We loved seeing everyone at the shop today.... We have THE BEST customers!"