Seattle-area bookstores celebrate Independent Bookstore Day April 27

Reading nook at Third Place Books
LFP Town Center at Bothell and Ballinger Way NE
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Local bookstores will celebrate Seattle Independent Bookstore Day on April 27 this year, the fifth annual observance of this popular national event.

Seattle Independent Bookstore Day (SIBD) continues to grow, attracting hundreds of visitors to more than 20 participating bookstores in the Seattle area and offering a range of activities from in-store parties, limited edition merchandise, and giveaways to author appearances and the now-famous bookstore challenges.

Locally, we have Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, Edmonds Bookshop and The Neverending Bookshop in Edmonds, Phinney Books in Greenwood, University Book Store and Open Books in the U District.

On April 27, fans can pick up a SIBD Passport at any of the participating stores and use it to collect a stamp at each store during the day as proof of visits. Those who have their passports stamped at three or more stores will receive a coupon good for a one-time, 30 percent-off discount at any one of the participating stores.

The truly dedicated (and swift of foot) who get their passport stamped at all participating stores on April 27 will receive a Champion Card entitling them to 25 percent off at all participating stores for a year. In 2015, 42 valiant souls made the trek; by 2018 that number had grown to nearly 500 bookstore champions. This yearʼs milestone SIBD celebration is expected to be another record year.

Independent Bookstore Day began in 2014 in California. By 2018, more than 500 stores took part nationally, garnering coverage in outlets such as CBS and The New York Times. Learn more about the national celebration at indiebookstoreday.com.

For further information and a list of participating stores, visit www.seattlebookstoreday.com. Follow Seattle Independent Bookstore Day on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. @SEABookstoreDay #SEABookstoreDay