17 Boston Area Bookstores Where You Can Celebrate Independent Bookstore Day

Happy Independent Bookstore Day!  April 29th is the 10th anniversary of the celebration of independent bookstores. It's a day to visit and support these special parts of our community.

From TCK Publishing: "An independent bookstore (also known as an indie bookstore or bookseller) is a bookstore that is independently owned, and not part of a larger chain retailer (such as Barnes & Noble)."

I speak from my many trips to independent bookstores when I say, the experience is so much more personal and special. When you become a repeat customer, you get to know the store owner. You get to talk about your passion for books, and you get the very best personal recommendations. It's the best. Indie bookstores also serve as a great place for community. More money stays in the community. There are events that support local authors. Some have local book clubs, meet & greets, and more.

First, use Indie Bookstore Finder to find the ones closest to you. Buy online from your local bookstore's website, or on Bookshop where you choose your favorite bookstore who will receive the full profit from your Bookshop purchases. Also, I use Libro.fm for audiobooks. Again, you pick which store you want the sale to go to and purchase and download your book.

I personally LOVE indie bookstores, and I hope you do to. During a time of ridiculous book-banning, these indie bookstores could use your support. Here's a list of bookstores in the Boston area, and what some of them are doing to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day!

Frugal Bookstore "Changing minds one book at a time"

I just love this store, and love the owners Clarissa and Leonard even more. They've helped me pick out books, have great book conversations, and I'll be working with them for the Greater Roxbury Book Fair at their store as well as at the Roxbury Public Library. That will be on May 20th. More info to come.

https://frugalbookstore.net/pages/about-us

All She Wrote Books at Assembly Row in Somerville is one of my favorite places to spend some time. Christina is the owner and founder, and is one of the most kind, helpful, and badass book people you will ever meet.

"All She Wrote Books is an intersectional, inclusive feminist and queer bookstore that supports, celebrates, and amplifies underrepresented voices through our thoughtfully curated selection of books spanning across all genres."

She was so helpful to me when I talked to her for suggestions to learn more about pronouns, transgender people, or just wanted to read a great love story. She, and her store, are what we need more of in the world. Compassion, empathy, and understanding. She also runs online and in-person book clubs, drag story hours, author events, and more. She'll have a lot going on for Independent Bookstore Day, both in-store and online. Be sure to stop by and say hi!

The Blue Bunny Bookstore in Dedham was founded in 2003 by the incredibly talented author and illustrator Peter Reynolds. At the store, you can find not only books, but toys, art supplies, as well as signed copies of Peter's books, prints, posters, and cards. I have several of his books and have given them as gifts as well. Peter's book on creativity called The Dot, is one of my absolute favorites. I was also able to meet and interview him for my previous Sunday show, VOICES with Pebbles.

"We are “the little shop with a big mission” -- to inspire creativity and self-expression in kids and grown-up kids." - Blue Bunny website

Whenever I'm in Brookline, I make a stop by Brookline Booksmith. Great books, staff recommendations, events, and a very cool store.

https://www.brooklinebooksmith.com/about-us

Another store I spend a good amount of time at. They also have great author events.

https://www.portersquarebooks.com/event/independent-bookstore-day-2023

From MTW website, "At More Than Words, every dollar goes back into our program to empower youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business."

https://shop.mtwyouth.org/

Woman-owned (yay!) independent bookstore!

https://papercutsjp.com/about-us

https://www.tridentbookscafe.com/

https://www.brattlebookshop.com/about

https://www.grolierpoetrybookshop.org/media

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/i-am-books-boston

https://www.anunlikelystory.com/about-us

https://www.bhbooks.com/

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bedlam-book-cafe-worcester

https://www.belmontbooks.com/event/independent-bookstore-day-1

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bryn-mawr-book-store-cambridge