INDIANAPOLIS — Three Indianapolis bookstores are teaming up to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with literary parties. On Sat., April 29, guests of the Bookmamas, Indiana Historical Society’s (HIS’s) Basile History Market and Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore will be treated to free activities, booksignings, discounts and prizes. In addition, those who visit multiple stores will be entered in a drawing to win one of two multi-store gift baskets.
This is the third year for Independent Bookstore Day, which shows support for indie bookstores nationwide by celebrating the work they do year round. While each store is unique, all share a desire to provide a community center and a local anchor run by passionate readers. This year, more than 490 bookstores in 48 states are taking part, with plans for a full day of bookish fun.
Bookmamas, located at 9 S. Johnson Ave. in Historic Irvington, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Independent Bookstore Day. Unique activities will include a store scavenger hunt, and from 1 to 4 p.m., readings from Kurt Vonnegut’s, A Man Without A Country. In addition, Bookmamas will offer 10 percent off regularly priced books, an extra door prize ticket for every $10 spent in store and a Golden Book activity table for children and adults.
The Basile History Market is located at 450 W. Ohio St., inside the Eugene and Marilyn glick History Center, home of HIS and the Indiana Experience. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Independent Bookstore Day, visitors will receive 10 percent off all regularly priced books (20 percent for HIS members). Each visitor will receive a ticket for a door prize and an additional ticket for every $10 spent in store. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a bookmaking activity station will allow young readers to create their own Golden books.
Kids Ink Children’s Bookstore, located at 5619 N. Illinois St. in Butler Tarkington, will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Independent Bookstore Day. Visitors of all ages can take advantage of special discounts in store, while children can take part in activities such as making sock puppets and bookmarks. Visitors are invited to climb into the front window to read or create their own story time. In addition, the Kids Ink author lineup features a survival theme. Learn basic skills such as filtering water, tying knots, honing map skills, making a compass and more.
For more information on local Independent Bookstore Day celebrations, call the Basile History Market at 317-234-0020, Bookmamas at 317-375-3715 or Kids Ink at 317-255-2598.