Canadian Independent Bookstore Day was also held on Saturday, with more than 200 indies participating. Led by the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association, CIBD invited "readers, writers, illustrators, publishers, and others to support and advocate for independent businesses and a flourishing bookselling community, while investing in Canadian culture."
This year, CIBA commissioned artwork from Canadian artist and illustrator Josée Bisaillon to help celebrate CIBD, describing the illustration as "a bright and dynamic ode to the role that indies play in their communities."
"Canadian Independent Bookstore Day is a joyful celebration of readers, reading, and local bookstores," said Laura Carter, CIBA's executive director. "What better way to spend a Saturday than in a bustling bookstore, surrounded by your community, sharing the love of books and the connections they create?"
Many Canadian indies shared their #CIBD2025 experiences and reactions on social media, including:
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| Another Story Bookshop, Toronto | |
Another Story Bookshop, Toronto, Ont.: "INDIE BOOKSTORE DAY IS HERE! We are transformed: today, our displays are highlighting some of the many independent publishers we love! Come by for snacks, to find the good to sort, to win prizes, and to read some of our favorite books!"
Munro's Books, Victoria, B.C.: "Today is the day--Independent Bookstore Day!! It's a beautiful day to come downtown to celebrate with us! Not in Victoria? Stop by your favorite indie wherever you are to show your support and celebrate the vibrant literary ecosystem independent bookstores bring to your community."
Black Cat Books, Sherbrooke, Que.: "We've partnered with our new neighbours @pop.kettle.corn for today's snacks--come grab yours while supplies last!!"
Lighthouse Books, Brighton, Ont.: Thanks to everyone who came by the store today to help us celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day.... Happy Reading!"
Yooneek Books, Okotoks, Alb.: "Indie Bookstore Day is happening NOW!!!!"
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| At Dartmouth Book Exchange | |
Dartmouth Book Exchange, Dartmouth, N.S.: "Good morning and Happy Canadian Independent Bookstore day from the staff at Dartmouth Book Exchange!... A BIG thank you to everyone who came out to support Canadian Independent Bookstore Day."
A Novel Spot Bookshop, Thorncrest Village, Ont.: "A big, BIG thank you to everyone who came out to support us to celebrate #cibd2025 today. We're so grateful to this community for all the love and support you show us--today and every day. We had the very best time with you today."
Yellow Canary Books & Stationery, Gull Lake, Sask.: "Our hearts are full! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. Whether you stopped by to enter the raffle, pick up a book (or five), or just say hello, we're so grateful for your support. Indie bookstores thrive because of readers like YOU, and we couldn't be more thankful to be part of this amazing community."
Books on Main, Bath, Ont.: "WE LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! The support was UNBELIEVABLE today! A bookish buzz in the air, crowds of happy people, well wishes and just all the love. Record-smashing in every way. We truly have the best community! Canadian Independent Bookstore Day was a huge success, my heart is full to bursting and I'm tearing up."
Bookmark, Charlottetown, P.E.I.: "We have had so many amazing visitors to the store today!... Thanks to everyone who has already stopped by to help celebrate Canadian Independent Bookstore Day!"
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| At the Book Keeper | |
The Book Keeper, Sarnia, Ont.: "Canadian Independent Bookstore Day gives off Christmas level vibes (especially for our feet!) but the best thing about it is that we are all in the store together (a rare occurrence), we see all our favorite people aka our customers, the books go flying out the door and we feel all the love from this community who has continued to support us for 45 years."
Tidewater Books, Sackville, N.B.: "It's been a great #CIBD2025! We are so thankful for our community that supports us, reads banned books, supports Canadian content & buys local! We love ya all!!"
Analog Books, Lethbridge, Alb.: "Highlights from Canadian Independent Bookstore Day--the most visitors to Analog Books in one day ever! Such a positive community experience."
Thistle Bookshop and Cafe, Port Dalhousie, Ont.: "Yesterday felt like one giant hug. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for an amazing #CIBD2025. We are truly, truly grateful."
The Spaniel's Tale Bookstore, Ottawa, Ont.: "That's a wrap on #CIBD2025, and Ottawa, you blew us away! Thank you, thank you, thank you! We really felt the love today. Even on a wet, rainy day, booklovers from all over Ottawa took the time to come out and show their support for a little indie bookstore like us. You gave us our BUSIEST DAY EVER! Thank you for being there for us."
Lake House Books, Port Stanley, Ont.: "THANK YOU so much for an incredible #CIBD2025! You came, hunted for the golden ticket, listened to poetry and bought books! You liked and shared my posts and reel. You had lovely things to say about the store! My heart is full. Thank you."
Entershine Bookshop, Thunder Bay, Ont.: "Wow! We had a fabulous turnout yesterday for #CIBD2025! Thank you to everyone who came out in support of our little indie bookshop. We'll see you all next year at CIBD2026!"