New Zealand Bookshop Day took place Saturday. In addition to hosting nationwide in-store events and receiving love letters from authors, Kiwi independent booksellers celebrated having "fought back from fears their days could be numbered as sales of physical books have stabilized after the launch of e-books," the Herald reported. "And store owners and operators are calling on the new government to help them to keep thriving in the age of online shopping by forcing overseas-based retailers like Amazon to pay GST." But #NZ Bookshop Day was all about the fun. Here are a few highlights:
Hedleys Books, Masterton: Getting ready--"We are in full NZ Bookshop Day outfit now! Please come down this Saturday to support your local indie bookstore and celebrate 110 years of family run business. We are part of the Masterton landscape!"
Time Out Bookstore, Mt. Eden, put together "10 reasons you should visit Time Out this Saturday."
Booksellers NZ: "There is so much love for bookshops in Your Weekend, my eyes are watering."
Ekor Bookshop & Café, Wellington (via MÄkaro Press): "Little Scandinavia at #ekorbookshop on #NZBookshopDay."
Wardini Books, Havelock North: "The man himself! Donovan Bixley made lots of dreams come true today drawing all sorts for everyone to celebrate National Bookshop Day. And he even got to catch up with some long lost rellies! Thanks so much for joining us Donovan Bixley Author/Illustrator."
Volume: The Space for Books, Nelson: Postcard from some young fans--"Thank you for being kind and getting books we love...."
Unity Books, Wellington: "Dogs love to celebrate #nzbookshopday and tattoos from Chris Riddell's lovely 100 Hugs book."
Vic Books, Wellington: "The amazing crowd at our #NZBookshopDay Storytime Extravaganza!" And: "Singing in the @vicbks bookshop!"
Time Out Bookstore: Before: "It's all happening!" And after: "A #nzbookshopday round up! Thank you all for coming, we're having a wine now."