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April 29, 2015

Support your local shop on Independent Bookstore Day

The Cali-born event goes national this year

Events Books
Doylestown Bookshop R. Kennedy/Visit Philadelphia™

The largest independent bookstore in Bucks County, the Doylestown Bookshop.

On May 4, 2014, a collective of independent booksellers began California Bookstore Day as a way to celebrate their love of books. Over 90 bookstores participated in a day much like Record Store Day; special editions were printed, limited-edition book-themed art pieces were made, big authors got involved and each store held a party. 

In its second year, CBD has turned into a national event called Independent Bookstore Day -- Saturday, May 2. The list of participants has grown to 400 stores and 16 exclusive creations will be for sale in limited quantities at select locations. From a chapbook signed by essayist Roxane Gay to a broadside written by Stephen King, the literary goodies are sure to sell out where available.

Check out the list of participating stores in the area below so you can celebrate with fellow bookworms. (Or, use this handy interactive map to find your nearest neighbor.) 

Main Point Books

1041 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA
(610) 525-1480 
Author Daniel Torday will sign his novel "The Last Flight of Poxl West" at 11 a.m.

Chester County Book & Music Company

967 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA
(610) 696-1661
They'll host a "Blind Date With a Book" giveaway.

Towne Book Center & Cafe

220 Plaza Drive, Suite B-3, Collegeville, PA
(610) 454-0640

Newtown Bookshop

2835 S. Eagle Rd., Newtown, PA 
(215) 968-2400
Author Polly Kanevsky and her book "Here is the Baby" will appear for a special storytime.

The Doylestown Bookshop

16 S Main St., Doylestown, PA
(215) 230-7610
They'll host free events from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including refreshments, crafts and workshops.

Can't head out to the suburbs? There are plenty of independent booksellers in Philadelphia. They won't be officially participating in IBD, but that doesn't mean they can't use your support! Shop away at the stores below.

Penn Book Center

130 S. 34th St.
(215) 222-7600

Wooden Shoe Books

704 South St.
(215) 413-0999

Joseph Fox Bookshop

1724 Sansom St.
(215) 563-4184

Brickbat Books

709 S 4th St.
(215) 592-1207

Mostly Books

529 Bainbridge St.
(215) 238-9838

Bindlestiff Books

4530 Baltimore Ave.
(215) 662-5780

Big Blue Marble Bookstore

551 Carpenter Lane, Mt. Airy
(215) 844-1870

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