Indie bookstores nationwide marked election day in a number of ways and shared their approaches on social media, including:
Bards Alley Bookshop, Vienna, Va.: "Good morning and happy Election Day, Vienna! If you're fighting the Election Day scaries, pop in to Bards Alley after you've cast your ballot for a bookish pick-me-up; we'll have some new releases out this afternoon for you to browse to your heart's content."
Gibson's Bookstore, Concord, N.H.: "Hey hey, it's Election Day! Once you've voted (or even if you're on your way to vote) stop in and take advantage of our Election Day Sale! 25% off your purchase! (We're on the honor system here).... The sale also works on our website with the code IVOTED. Thanks for doing your civic duty!"
Booksy Galore, Pound Ridge, N.Y.: "We're Open. We have Books. We Voted and we Love this New Release... it's all good at Booksy."
The Lynx, Gainesville, Fla.: "Need a break from election stress? Come play games with us and decompress at The Lynx! We'll have Happy Hour all day long and a Mood Mending Meditation with yoga instructor Molly at 3:30pm."
Napa Bookmine, Napa, Calif.: "You know what to do…go vote! …then stop by the shop to take your mind off things with a good book, great coffee, and the friendly faces of our Bookmine community."
Storyline Books, St. Paul, Minn.: "It's Election Day! We're closed today and tomorrow (11/5-6) in observance of the day, and we hope everyone has the opportunity to go and exercise your most fundamental right in our democracy."
All She Wrote Books, Somerville, Mass.: "Need a break from today? Stop by and say hi to Christina and Miss Ruby from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m."
Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, N.Y.: "Hi friends! Reminder to get to the polls today, text your group chats, lend a ride, check on same day voter registration in your state---Vote! Vote! Vote!"
Carmichael's Bookstore, Louisville, Ky.: "It's Election Day!! Uncle Sam (Seth) wants you to get out and vote!"
The Island Bookshop, Venice, Fla.: "It's Election Day. If you're looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, I think this cat has the right idea."
Bel Canto Books, Long Beach, Calif.: "Trying to keep our day on track and the anxiety at bay with a little #bulletjournaling and sticker inspo. Let's not let idiots ruin our days--get out there and vote, down the full ballot, for the causes and community we hold dear."
Split Rock Books, Cold Spring, N.Y.: "Don't let down Buster, America."
Literary Book Bar, Champaign, Ill.: "Get out there and cast those ballots people! And afterwards, stop by the shop for a quick pick-me-up and 15% off storewide when you show us your 'I voted' sticker!"
Valley Bookseller, Stillwater, Minn.: "Our window display is reminding you all to get out there and exercise your right to vote."
Island Books, Mercer Island, Wash.: "Don't forget to VOTE!"
Subterranean Books, St. Louis, Mo.: "The day has come. Vote. If you need to calm your jitters afterwards or if you voted early, surrounding yourself with books and talking to kind booksellers may help. We're here if you need us."
The Dog-Eared Page, Danville, Va.: "Today is the day! Make sure to get out and VOTE! As extra encouragement, bring in your 'I Voted' sticker and receive 10% off your purchase! Happy Voting!"