Independent Bookstore Day 2023: Independent Bookstore Day is observed annually on the last Saturday of April, and will be observed on April 29 this year. The day highlights the distinct contribution of independent bookstores throughout the United States to the social fabric. Books, once considered the basis of civilization and the primary source of human knowledge, have witnessed a significant transformation over the past few decades. Despite this, the importance and value of books remain a priority for the majority of people around the globe, and it is in this spirit that we celebrate this day.
HISTORY OF INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY
In response to the need and desire to become private book collectors that arose as a result of the expansion of libraries throughout the ancient world, book dealers established a thriving industry in which they travelled to distant locations to acquire uncommon and coveted tomes for private collectors.
The elite of Roman society took great pride in their ability to amass a collection of prestigious titles. Thus, the commercial book trade began more than 2,000 years ago, and today, every person on earth has access to a bookstore with titles available in nearly every language. Due to historically low literacy rates, only the most prominent members of society had access to books and their contents. Therefore, bookstores have taken on various forms over the millennia. However, they have always been sites where literate and wealthy people reside. While the concept of a library has existed for thousands of years, the modern bookstore is much more recent.
Portugal is home to the world’s oldest continuously operating bookstore, which dates back nearly 300 years. This is believed to be the world’s earliest still-operating bookstore, despite the fact that bookstores have come and gone throughout history. Despite this, bookstores have become essential social hubs in many communities. They play a significant role in the social fabric of their communities because they provide a direct link to the people.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY
Visit an independent bookstore
Knowing their location and what they have to offer is essential. Visit your community’s independent bookstores and let them know you’re aware of their existence.
Buy a book
Support your local independent bookstore, whether it’s for you or someone else. Make one or two purchases and refer a friend.
Share on Social Networking Sites
Increase the visibility of your local independent bookstore. Share their message and contact information on your social media channels.
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5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT BOOKSTORES
The earliest bookstore in history
The Bertrands bookstore in Lisbon, Portugal, was founded in 1732 and is the world’s earliest surviving bookstore.
Books as a business
We can thank libraries for promoting books and their commercial value because, as the number of libraries increased in 300 B.C., so did the ancient world’s access to and demand for books.
The Barnes & Noble
Barnes and Noble is the largest bookstore in the United States, with over 12,87 miles of shelving and 154,250 square feet of retail space.
Amazon bookshelves
You could be excused for assuming that Amazon books are only available online, but the company has recognised the need for a physical bookstore, which you can visit in Seattle.
There are millions of texts on earth.
Google estimates that there are approximately 130 million books in the globe.
WHY INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY IS IMPORTANT
It pertains to the written word
We enthusiastically support any endeavour involving literature. The written word is a legacy that will outlive all of us.
It aids the underdog
Independent bookstores face competition from multinational corporations. They need our assistance to survive in a highly competitive industry.
We enjoy literature.
Independent bookstores serve the public interest. Any space that offers a variety of genres and categories of books is always a good notion.
INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | April 30 | Saturday |
| 2023 | April 29 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 27 | Saturday |
| 2025 | April 26 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 25 | Saturday |
