April 29 is independent bookstore day; here’s how to celebrate

Image courtesy of Sol Casanas | The Crow’s Nest

Discover where to find independent bookstores on Independent Bookstore Day 

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By Jeffery Caicedo

Saturday, April 29, marks the 10-year anniversary of Independent Bookstore Day. Across the country, independent book sellers offer special discounts, promotions and contests. Need to find a local bookstore for the special day? Below are some stores that you can visit.

 Portkey Bookstore

• Portkey Books is a little bookstore with a fantasy like feel –– “a little bookstore with big dreams.” Located on 404 Main St., Safety Harbor, the shop is holding a scavenger hunt for the chance to find the golden ticket! Find it and you’ll win a year of audio books from Libro.Fm. 

Tombolo Books

• Locally owned, Tombolo offers a curated selection of the best new fiction and nonfiction titles. Located on 2153 First Ave. S., from between 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tombolo will have exclusive books, merch and kid’s books for sale. 

Book + Bottle 

• Book + Bottle is a unique bookstore that not only offers books but wine, coffee and tea. It’s the perfect place to relax and read with a beverage in hand. It’s celebrating with a throwback vibe to Scholastic Book Fairs, along with literary activities for all to participate. Located on 17 Sixth St. N., every book purchase enters you into their literary prize lottery. Buy 4+ books and save 10%, including 10% off any Independent Bookstore Day products. 

There are a variety of independent bookstores that are currently celebrating, but don’t let that stop you from showing support to other stores that aren’t. To aid in your search, we listed two noteworthy bookstores that are sure to pique your interest.

Cultured Books

• Cultured Books is a co-branded children’s pop-up bookstore that promotes self-love by highlighting narratives of Black joy and books from various cultural origins. Made to demonstrate to kids that stories do not begin with struggle and to widen their worldviews, the shop is located at 833 22nd St. S. Support the Cultured Books Literacy Foundation community programming by shopping online or in-store. 

Mojo Books & Records

• Mojo Books & Records is a used bookstore and record store located at 2554 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. The store has a wide selection of used books and vinyl records. Mojo offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere where you can grab a cup of coffee and get lost in your book.