April 30th will mark the second annual Independent Bookstore Day across the U.S. Followers of the Book●ed Blog know I’m a longtime big supporter of indie stores. Last December, I re-ran a post that first appeared in March 2013, titled Guilty as Charged. Little did I know, three years ago, the important role independent bookstores would play in the success of BOOKS ‘n’ BOTTLES™. There are more reasons than ever to check out your local independent bookstore. You are likely to be very pleasantly surprised by the changes taking place.

Because they are not bound by the corporate strictures of chain stores and large discounters, independent bookstores have freedom to be creative in the way they serve their customers. Their hallmark has been personal service. Now they’ve expanded in-store events to feature local and self-published authors, along with nationally known ones.

Some stores have created ongoing programs to instill a love of books among children from toddlers to teens. Others have added cafés or bars, becoming social gathering spots for booklovers. Independent bookstores make it possible for libraries and clubs to bring in authors for speaking engagements, as well as support community events, by handling book sales at those venues.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that bookstore sales increased 2.5 percent from 2014 to 2015. The American Booksellers Association, which represents independent sellers, reported 1,712 member stores (in 2,227 locations) in 2015, up from 1,401 (in 1,660 locations) in 2009. It has been reported that 421 independent bookstores in 48 states will participate in this year’s Independent Bookstore Day. Eighty percent of last year’s participating stores saw a sales increase, and those stores saw an average sales increase of 70 percent compared with the Saturday the year before. Will you be part of the fun?