Canadian Independent Bookstore Day invites book lovers to shop local — both online and in-person
Indie bookstores across Canada are celebrating Saturday, April 30
This Saturday (April 30) is Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. Also known as CIBD, the annual event was created to celebrate books and encourage Canadians to visit their local independent bookstores, either online or in person.
There are more than 275 independent bookstores across Canada. Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how Canadians interact with their local bookstore — and many outlets have learned to adapt.
With loosened COVID-19 restrictions happening in many parts of the country, this year's event is an opportunity for many independent bookstores to engage with Canadians via in-person events and celebrations.
On the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association (CIBA) site, there is a map highlighting local bookstores for Canadians to visit.
WATCH | Canadian Indie Bookstores in 2020 on The National:
This year, CIBA commissioned artwork from Canadian artist and illustrator Kellen Hatanaka to help celebrate CIBD 2022. Hatanaka, illustrator of picture books Tokyo Digs a Garden and Maggie's Treasure, created the work to honour indie bookstore shelves and the worlds contained within them.
For Canadian indie bookstores, the day is about selling books — but also about community and welcoming back readers, authors, publishers and more who have been away from physical stores for the last couple of years.
Victoria-based bookstore Munro's Books was founded in 1963 and is, according to managing partner Jessica Walker, one of Canada's oldest operating book stores.
Walker told CBC Books that CIBD is a chance to celebrate Canadian readers and books.
"It's an important recognition of the place that bookstores hold in communities. Yes, we are retailers of books, but we are also places for cultural connection. Indie bookstores traditionally host the majority of author events, sell books at literary festivals, support school sales and book fairs," said Walker to CBC Books via email.
LISTEN | Jennifer Walker of Munro's Books on The Next Chapter:
The day is also important to Itah Sadu, co-owner of A Different Booklist in Toronto.
"It's an indicator. It's a milestone. It's a marker. It's getting publicly to say to people, 'I appreciate you,'" Sadu told CBC Books.
A Different Booklist is an independent, multicultural bookstore specializing in books from the African Caribbean Diaspora and the Global South.
"The community is the heart of the bookstore. It's the thing that keeps us moving as we're thinking of people's pride. You get to be part of people's lives. You get to know people intimately. Yes, that's a privilege."
Local shops across Canada are planning celebratory activities for the big day including customer giveaways, discounts, exclusive products, author events and more.
The Canadian Independent Booksellers Association has also organized a contest. For every book purchased on April 30 at an indie bookstore — in person, over the phone or online — the buyer will be entered into a national draw to win one of several prizes.
