#VirtualBookstoreParty Kicks Off

While Independent Bookstore Day (IBD), the national celebration of independent bookstores, is now slated for Saturday, August 29, 2020, booksellers are invited to celebrate virtually during the week of April 19–25 using the hashtag #VirtualBookstoreParty.

To help booksellers promote this virtual celebration, IBD is providing pre-written social media posts for each day of the week.

On Tuesday, April 21, the special signed Independent Bookstore Day edition of Ways to Make Sunshine published. Author Renee Watson shared a video that booksellers can use to promote the title.

On Wednesday, April 22, IBD held a Twitter party with Ambassador Sean Doolittle at 2:00 p.m. ET using the hashtag #VirtualBookstoreParty.

On Thursday, April 23, audiobook provider Libro.fm is promoting #ShopBookstoresNow day at the #VirtualBookstoreParty. Booksellers are encouraged to take advantage of social media assets, create staff favorite audiobook lists, audiobook lists for kids, and consider choosing a winner for a cool prize from among those who sign up for Libro.fm via their stores.

On Friday, April 24, booksellers should grab some sample posts and spread the word about Bookstore Day.

On Saturday, April 25, the original date for Independent Bookstore Day, booksellers are invited to share games, giveaways, contests, virtual author events, or non-author events in honor of the celebration of independent bookstores.

Visit the Independent Bookstore Day website to learn more about the annual event; the “For the Trade” section includes a handy month-by-month planning guide, bookseller info and FAQs, and more. Watch Bookselling This Week in the coming weeks for more information about Independent Bookstore Day, or sign up for the IBD newsletter.