Independent Bookstore Day

Image courtesy of American Booksellers Association

Celebrate the 13th annual Independent Bookstore Day at local stores across Portland. 

Held the last Saturday in April, Independent Bookstore Day is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a celebration of the unique cultural institutions that enrich our lives and communities. It’s a day to honor the passionate individuals who curate shelves with care, recommend hidden gems and foster connections among book lovers of all ages.

In Portland, stores across the city are hosting events on Saturday, April 25. Find a place to visit on this special literary day. 

Independent Bookstore Day Events

More than 25 locations across the Portland metro area are participating in Independent Bookstore Day. Here are special activities at some of your favorite book shops:

Annie Bloom’s Books

This Multnomah Village bookstore has special activities all day. 

Here are the additional happenings:

• Exclusive IBD items like totes and special edition books.
• A Golden Ticket scavenger hunt. The first person to find the Libro.fm Golden Ticket wins a year worth of audiobooks.
• Street Books will be on-site to chat about books, their mobile street library, and what you can do to support reading for everyone. They’re accepting new (unused) journal donations.
• In celebration of Local Yarn Store Day, Annie Bloom’s Books partners with Northwest Wools for a fun raffle at each store.

Annie Bloom’s Books is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 7834 SW Capitol Hwy. in Portland.

BOLD Coffee and Books

Get your caffeine and book fix all in one place at BOLD. Here’s what the shop has planned for Independent Bookstore Day:

• 11 a.m.- noon Children’s Storytime with Cathe Lieb, reading Trouble Dog, and cupcake decorating.
• 2-4 p.m. Lesbian Poets Society Popup
• 6:30–8:30 p.m. Bookbinding 101: Paperback-to-Hardcover Conversion. Register here. 
• The bookstore is also participating in the Golden Ticket giveaway for 12 free audiobook credits. 
• Plus, buy two books, get one half off plus a free tote (while supplies last) and one free small drink.

BOLD Coffee and Books is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday at 1755 Southwest Jefferson St. in Portland.

Broadway Books

Here’s what you can enjoy at this local book shop on Saturday: 

• Find the Golden Ticket hidden in the bookstore for 12 months of free audio book credits from Libro.fm.
• Exclusive Independent Bookstore Day merchandise.
• Spend $30 and get a free advanced reader copy. Spend $40 to spin and win from our cache of prizes, including Broadway Books gift certificates. Get a special tote bag for all purchases over $100, while supplies last.
• Bring your pup in costume for a special prize and the chance to win our Pet Costume Contest. Extra points if you dress up with your pet or pick a literary theme. Grand-prize winner gets a $50 gift certificate.
• Get 20% of Broadway Books sweatshirts, T-shirts, puzzles and tote bags and a brand-new surprise SWAG item.
• All poetry is 20% off in honor of National Poetry Month.
• Broadway Books is also donating a portion of proceeds to Street Books.

Broadway Books is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1714 NE Broadway St. in Portland.

Maggie Mae’s Bookshop

Head to Gresham for special events on Independent Bookstore Day, including: 

• Find the Libro.fm Golden Ticket and win 12 free audiobook credits.
• Find the elusive Rainbow Maggie Mae’s Lucky Ticket for a tote filled with books and prizes.
• Be one of the first 25 customers to spend $125 and get a free Maggie Mae’s beanie.
•  Spend $30-plus for a chance to win discounts or special prizes.
• Shop exclusive Blind Date with a Book selections.

Maggie Mae’s Bookshop is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 50 NW 1st St. in Gresham.

Powell’s Books 

All locations are hosting these special events and deals on Saturday:

• Search for golden tickets for a chance to win swag.
• Take home a free tote with a $75+ purchase, while supplies last.
• There’s also exclusive merch, giveaways and activities. 

Powell’s Books is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Book Nook

Take a drive to Canby for exclusive merchandise, special book sales, gifts with purchase and prizes.

• One book is hiding a golden ticket for a chance to win a one year Libro.fm audiobook subscription.
• Follow QR codes throughout the store and enter to win a Book Nook raffle basket filled with books and goodies.
• Shop and earn rewards and freebies based on what you spend. 

The Book Nook is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 200 NW 1st Ave. in Canby.

White Oak Books

Drive up to downtown Vancouver for special deals, while supplies last: 

• Get a free White Oak Books sticker with any purchase.
• Get a free apron or oven mitts with purchase of any cookbook.
• Select dish cloths, socks, totes, bags and art supplies are 50% off.
• 10% off all Children’s through young adult books, poetry and New York Review Books.
• Also, find the golden ticket for a chance to win a one year Libro.fm audiobook subscription.

White Oak Books is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 1700 Main Street Ste D in Vancouver.

Want more Portland freebies, events and deals? Subscribe to my newsletter (only one email a day), and follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

You may also like:

Self-Guided Tour of Portland’s Monkey Puzzle Trees

Oregon Potters Association Ceramic Showcase

Where to Sell Used Clothes