CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM) — April 27 is National Independent Bookstore Day and bookstores across the country are preparing to celebrate.

This is the 11th year of the annual event and it’s on track to be the largest yet, according to the American Booksellers Association.

There are over 1,200 participating independent bookstores from every state, according the association, and several of them are in Midstate.

Midtown Scholar, a Harrisburg staple, has an array of activities lined up.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the bookstore will have a dog adoption event with Nirvana Animal Rescue, a story time with local children’s illustrator Amy June Bates and a build-a-bookmark craft.

From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., there will also be a book signing with thriller author Gwendolyn Kiste.

“It’s more important than ever to shop small and local, and this one-day national party for indie bookstores is such a great campaign to shine a spotlight on all the good things bookstores are doing in their communities,” Alex Brubaker, Program Director & New Book Buyer at Midtown Scholar said.

Things to do this weekend: Plants, festivals, Independent Bookstore Day

Brubaker added that bookstores are also a gathering place for community members as well as proponents of education and literacy.

“Indie bookstores are so much more than retail shops; they’re fourth-space community centers that specialize in reading, literacy, and making sure we get the best possible book in your hands. We’re committed to being your neighbors for a long, long time, and we can’t wait to see everyone this Saturday,” Brubaker said

Just one county south, a bookstore in Lancaster is also looking forward to celebrating Independent Bookstore Day. For them, the celebration also comes at a special time.

Pocket Books Shop is also celebrating its two-year anniversary this weekend.

“We are so grateful to the community we’ve joined for making our first two years so memorable,” Julie Ross, co-owner of Pocket Books shop said. “When we first pursued opening this store, we had aspirations that we’d connect with people, enrich their lives, and create a community space, but the reality has already far surpassed our hopes. The embrace from Lancaster locals and visitors from all over the world inspires us daily and pushes us to keep finding more ways to build community and contribute to the local landscape. We hope this is just the first two years of many–we’re nowhere near done yet!–and we’re so excited for all we’ll do from here.”

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Ross says the store will be hosting three authors for book-signing events on Saturday including Enneagram Ashton from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Justina Ireland from 1 to 3 p.m.; and Rosie Danan from 4 to 6 p.m.

“Indie Bookstore Day is the biggest day of the year for Indie Bookstores across the country, and we’re no exception. We love bringing the community together to celebrate all things books,” Ross said.

Ross says the day’s festivities also include a flash, book-themed tattoo event with local artists Sadie Bartch and Bbones from Clover Tattoo and a pop-up flower sale with First Light Flower Co. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Supporting local is critical to keeping Lancaster’s robust, unique community thriving. Buying local keeps our resources here in Lancaster where we can continue to invest in one another. Every dollar spent at our store is reinvested in our local community, not going into the pockets of billionaires. When you have a bad day, you can’t show up at Amazon HQ to feel better, but you can come into the sanctuary of Pocket Books where we can greet you with warmth and make you feel at home,” Ross said.

Book sale to be held by Friends of the Milanof-Schock Library

Some even newer Midstate bookstores are also celebrating the annual event.

“After celebrating our first year in business just this past weekend, we’re excited to continue the party by celebrating independent bookstore day with all of our amazing and supportive customers!” a spokesperson for Bound Books in York told abc27.

In York, the celebration also lines up with another celebration in the city.

“With Go Green happening downtown the same day, there will be even more for visitors to enjoy this Saturday,” the spokesperson said.

Bike Harrisburg gearing up to celebrate Bike Month

A brand new Midstate bookstore is also preparing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day for the first time.

Story Keeper LLC, in Marietta, Lancaster County first opened as an online store in February 2023. In November 2023, the store opened its brick-and-mortar location at 44 W Market Street.

The shop doubles as both a book and yarn store.

On Saturday, Story Keeper Books is offering a 10% sale on all books except for books by local authors, a make-your-own bookmark pop-up and a balloon coloring activity for kids.

Owner, Lynnea Quintana, who opened the store along with her mom, says she’s excited to be able to celebrate with her community at a physical location for the first time.

“If it wasn’t for your local bookstore, it would only be chain stores,” Quintana said. “Having that community aspect, where you know your customers on a first-name basis is really important.”

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