Social media was buzzing Saturday with #IndependentBookstoreDay love, as indies reflected on the day with gratitude and perspective, given all the challenges this past year has delivered. Here's a sampling:
Inkwood Books, Haddonfield, N.J.: "Wow! We are overwhelmed by the love and support you all showed us today. Not only was it the busiest Indie Bookstore Day we've ever had, it was our busiest day ever!! You waited in lines all day so we could maintain our capacity limits, wore your masks properly without question, and gave us the gift of your support during the toughest of times for small business."
Foggy Pine Books, Boone, N.C.: "While we were disappointed that our sidewalk sale got rained out, we had a wonderful day thanks to you--our amazing customers. By the end of the day today, our sales were SIX TIMES what they were last year for IBD."
Kismet Books, Verona, Wis.: "What an amazing first #IndieBookstoreDay for Kismet Books! Thanks so much to everyone who popped by!"
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| At Greedy Reads in Baltimore | |
Greedy Reads, Baltimore, Md.: "THANK YOU! What an amazing Independent Bookstore Day. We saw lots of old friends we've been missing, and new friends we can't wait to see again.... You're all the best community a bookstore could have!"
Eleanor's Bookshop, Tulsa, Okla.: "What a wonderful day. Many thanks to all of those local and independent business who helped make today super special. Shop independent, y'all. And happy reading."
One More Page Books & More, Arlington, Va.: "Even though Independent Bookstore Day is different this year, one thing is the same--how much happiness we get from seeing some of our favorite people!"
Two Birds Books, Santa Cruz, Calif.: "Thanks to our wonderful customers for making our first #indiebookstoreday such a memorable one! From the customer who called Independent Bookstore Day her 'Super Bowl' to the customer who brought us a pie (!!), you really made today feel like a celebration."
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| At Uncle Bobbie's in Philadelphia | |
Uncle Bobbie's Coffee & Books, Philadelphia, Pa.: "COMMUNITY. The vibes were all positive today for Indie Bookstore Day. Thank you to everyone that came out. We appreciate all of you."
The Novel Neighbor, St. Louis, Mo.: "#indiebookstoreday was a huge success! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for shopping local and making today so special! Our staff had a blast recommending our favorite books and being out in the world with you all. What a joy!"
Downtown Books, Manteo, N.C.: "It really was... with much gratitude thank you to everyone who came out to help us celebrate #indiebookstoreday... wow... did we FEEL THE LOVE... namaste y'all."
Octavia Books, New Orleans, La.: "Thank you to the hundreds of book lovers who helped us celebrate #IndieBookstoreDay and especially those who completed the quest to visit all five New Orleans stores on the local map."
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| At Blue Willow Books in Houston | |
The Bookshop, East Nashville, Tenn.: "That's a wrap on our fifth #indiebookstoreday! Feeling the love, y'all--so very much."
Fabled Bookshop & Café, Waco, Tex.: "Friends--y'all showed UP! Thank you for making our first official Indie Bookstore Day so incredible. Here's to many, many more."
Francie & Finch Bookshop, Lincoln, Neb.: "We had so much fun today!!!!! Thank you everyone for coming out and supporting indie bookstores today.... You really do meet the coolest people in bookstores."
Tombolo Books, Saint Petersburg, Fla.: "We did it. What an Indie Bookstore Day. Y'all kept us busy, inspired, and smiling."
The Yankee Bookshop, Woodstock, Vt.: "What a day! Thanks everyone--a few hundred dollars raised for the food shelf and so much local love. Our hearts are full & we are so thankful for every one of you."
Monkey and Dog Books, Fort Worth, Tex.: "Wow. We are truly overwhelmed by all of the love and support you showed us today! We hope you enjoyed visiting the shop today as much as we loved seeing all of you."
FoxTale Book Shoppe, Woodstock, Ga.: "Y'all. It was amazing to see your (masked) faces today! and catching up with so many of you and meeting new booklovers. YOU are the reason I love this community and Shoppe so much. I've missed you and I'm so grateful for each of you!"
The Little Bookshop, Midlothian, Va.: "Tired feet are up, wine is poured, and gratitude is flowing for our AMAZING customers who came out and supported us this #indiebookstoreday!! We saw so many familiar faces and made so many new bookish friends...thank you, thank you from the bottom of our bookish hearts for your love and support."
Bookends & Beginnings, Evanston, Ill.: "Thank you everyone for your support this #indiebookstoreday! We saw record breaking sales since our reopening last summer. We feel so loved!"
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| At Main Street Books, Davidson, N.C. | |
Bookish, Fort Smith, Ark.: "Barrie and I loved seeing so many friends today (and meeting new ones too!) But wow are we wiped out!"
Let's Play Books, Emmaus, Pa.: "What an incredible day! It would be easier to list the number of people we didn't see than people we did. Our hearts are full (but our feet are tired).... Today felt like a family reunion and we couldn't be happier."
Bookery Manchester, Manchester, N.H.: "Post #IndependentBookstoreDay crash. Thank you so much to everyone who came to visit and to everyone who supported from afar! We're lucky to have all of you."