April 25th will be Independent Bookstore Day. This event was created to honor independent bookstores and shine a light on the courage needed for entrepreneurship. The event is held on the last Saturday in April each year and encourages readers to purchase from small businesses.

Our first year as an “independent bookstore” we joined the American Booksellers Association, paid the dues and spoke with the local chapter assigned to us. The association says the event features exclusive books, literary items, author events, and special promotions to support local communities and promote literacy.  The reality of the exchange was a free sign, identification on the event map and then crickets… (Chirp, chirp). No mentor support, no social media help, nothing. We were however required to report all the titles we sold during the year.

The second year we elected to not renew out membership and instead decided to be ourselves. Our annual event planning is now more of a birthday event and thanking you for being with us through the year. Drawing people in is our job but the reward for being an entrepreneur isn’t an event, it is seeing you return again, and again. This year we have a new address, new books and we hope a few new friends but it is still about you. So join us April 25th for a little food, a little conversation and of course all of our thanks.