Alexandria is preparing to celebrate the annual Independent Bookstore Day, with local literary havens, Old Town Books (130 South Royal Street) and Friends to Lovers Bookstore (301 Cameron Street), planning a range of engaging activities and special offerings as participating stores.
Independent Bookstore Day is a one-day national party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April. This year, the event is scheduled for Saturday (April 26). This day aims to celebrate the unique and independent nature of each bookstore.
Old Town Books will host a day-long celebration on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The bookstore promises a “full schedule of activities for all ages, plus special giveaways, a prize wheel for all customers, and the $5 imperfect book cart”. Their schedule includes:
- 9:30 a.m.: Storytime with Gabriella Aldeman, author of Squawk of Spanish.
- 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.: Music class with Tots With Tempo.
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 p.m.: A special appearance from Elephant and Piggie.
- 12:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Meet & greet with bestselling author, James Ponti.
- 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Book Bedazzling (a ticketed event that is sold out with a waitlist).
- 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Elephant and Piggie return.
- 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.: Book Bedazzling Workshop (another ticketed event that is sold out with a waitlist).
Friends to Lovers Bookstore is extending the celebration across the entire weekend. They announced on Instagram their plans for “cozy, fun, and bookish events just for you!”. Their weekend-long “cozy celebration of stories, surprises, and supporting small business!” will take place on Saturday and Sunday. Specific offerings for Saturday include:
- 10% off all Blind Date With A Book picks.
- An opportunity to enter an exclusive giveaway for those who spend $50 or more.
- A Slow Burn Workshop from 12 pm to 2 pm, where attendees can create a custom candle with Isle & Wild (reservations are required).
On Sunday (April 27), Friends to Lovers Bookstore will host “From Stray To Stay: A Love Story” in collaboration with City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue, featuring adoptable dogs and information about adoptable cats, alongside opportunities to find a new romance read.
