3 Rules to Have the Best Indie Bookstore Day Experience

There’s something magical about walking into a bookstore—the scent of paper and ink, the soft rustle of pages turning, the way time disappears the moment you start browsing. But there’s an even better reason to step into a bookstore this April: Independent Bookstore Day! Celebrated annually on the last Saturday of April (April 26, 2025), Indie Bookstore Day is a nationwide event that honors independent bookstores and the communities that support them. It’s a day filled with bookish celebrations, exclusive merchandise, author signings, and the perfect excuse to visit your favorite local bookshop (or discover a new one). To help you make the most of Indie Bookstore Day, I’ve put together three simple rules that will turn your visit into an unforgettable experience. These tips will help you find incredible books, support authors who need more shelf space, and make your bookstore trip more than just another errand.

Rule 1: Shop with a Purpose (But Stay Open to Surprises)

Walking into a bookstore without a game plan is fun, but it can also be overwhelming. You either leave with nothing (gasp!) or walk out with twelve books when you meant to buy one (no regrets, honestly). So before you go, set a loose intention. Maybe you’re looking for a book on a specific topic, an author you’ve been meaning to read, or the next title for your book club. I keep a "to-read" list on my phone so I don’t blank out when I get there. But—and this is important—stay open to surprises. Some of my all-time favorite reads have been impulse buys I stumbled upon while browsing. Indie bookstores are known for curated selections, staff recommendations, and unique finds you won’t get at big-box stores.

💡 Pro Tip: If you spot an interesting book but aren’t ready to commit, take a picture of the cover so you can remember it for your next visit!

Rule 2: Support Marginalized Voices

Bookstores are packed with bestsellers and classics, but some of the most important, thought-provoking, and banned books often get overshadowed. This Indie Bookstore Day, make it a mission to seek out books by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and other underrepresented authors.

Why it matters:

• Buying books by marginalized authors keeps their voices in stores and on bestseller lists.

• It encourages bookstores to continue stocking diverse stories.

• You’ll discover perspectives that expand your worldview and challenge mainstream narratives.

Many indie bookstores pride themselves on carrying books that big retailers overlook—so take advantage of that! Ask the staff for recommendations, check out their banned book section, or pick up a title from a local author.

📚Bonus: If you can, buy a book that has been banned or challenged—because if people are trying to keep you from reading it, you know it’s going to be good.

Rule 3: Make It an Experience, Not Just a Transaction

Sure, you could run in, grab your book, and leave in five minutes. But where’s the fun in that? Indie bookstores are built for book lovers—so take your time!

Ways to elevate your bookstore visit:

• Explore new sections—even if you don’t usually read poetry or graphic novels.

• Engage with the bookstore—chat with staff (they’re basically book wizards), sign up for their newsletter, or check out upcoming events.

• Look for local authors—Kentucky has an amazing literary scene, and many indie stores highlight regional voices.

• Make it a tradition—leave a note in a book for a future reader, snap a picture of your haul, or journal about your finds.

Indie Bookstore Day is about more than just buying books—it’s about celebrating the magic of bookstores and the communities that make them thrive.

Ready to Put These Rules into Action? Here Are 5 Indie Bookstores in Central Kentucky to Visit!

If you’re in Central Kentucky, you don’t have to rely on big chains for your bookish needs. Here are a few indie bookstores where you can celebrate Indie Bookstore Day:

📍 The Wild Fig Books & Coffee (Lexington) – A Black-owned, woman-owned shop perfect for discovering marginalized voices while sipping on a great cup of coffee.

📍 Poor Richard’s Books (Frankfort) – A gem filled with new and used books, plus a strong focus on Kentucky literature.

📍 CoffeeTree Books (Morehead) – A cozy bookstore with a built-in coffee shop because books and caffeine are the ultimate duo.

📍 Plaid Elephant Books (Danville) – A delightful, locally owned children’s bookstore dedicated to fostering a love of reading in young minds.

📍 The Next Chapter (Cynthiana) – A locally owned bookstore carrying a variety of new books, as well as gifts and coffee.

📍 The Full Shelf (Georgetown) – A cozy, family owned bookstore with a weekly menu of soups, salads, and desserts.

Honorable Mention: Check out SQecial Media! While it's not a traditional bookstore, it's an iconic Lexington shop with an eclectic mix of books on philosophy, spirituality, activism, and all things unconventional.

Celebrate Indie Bookstores All Year Round!

Indie Bookstore Day is an amazing excuse to celebrate independent bookstores, but don’t stop there! Shopping indie all year long helps keep these beloved community spaces alive.

Every time you buy from an indie bookstore, you’re:

✅ Supporting small businesses

✅ Helping keep diverse books on shelves

✅ Contributing to the local literary scene

So next time you need a book, skip the algorithm and head to your favorite indie shop instead. And if you find a new favorite bookstore (or book!), let me know—I’m always on the hunt for great places to explore!

Happy Indie Bookstore Day! 📚🎉