Every book lover’s favorite day of the year, Independent Bookstore Day, is happening April 27! Bookmans is celebrating our independence with a whole lot of awesome storewide events. We can’t wait to celebrate the heart of every independent bookstore – the customers! 

For 43 years and counting, Bookmans has been Arizona’s go-to bookstore, and we simply could not do it without the support of our communities. But books are not the only thing that Independent Bookstore Day celebrates. Bookstores are a haven for the local community, and though our foundation is literature, our specialty is being a community resource for education, entertainment, and a shared love of all things local.  Oh yeah, and we’re having a 25% Off storewide sale too! 

Phoenix – Midtown – Mesa – Northwest – Flagstaff – East

This Independent Bookstore Day, Bookmans stores are opening our doors early for our VIBs – Very Important Book Lovers! These select individuals can look forward to a whole lot of exclusive perks, including a tour of Bookmans back room, breakfast treats, and a peek behind the trade counters (with all the newest in-stock items). Once the store all the goodies have been browsed, VIBs will also receive an employee discount on all their early access purchases!  Sign up with this link > buff.ly/2Ph3AoD


Though the VIB spots are very limited, all Bookmans shoppers will be treated to some amazing Independent Bookstore Day excitement throughout the day! Follow the link to your local Bookmans store and see what we have planned to make sure that YOUR Independent Bookstore Day is the best one yet! In addition to the VIB prize-winners getting early access and more to their Bookmans store, each Bookmans location is doing something special that reflects their community.

Flagstaff residents are in store for a huge day packed with incredible events starting at 9 AM. This includes kids events with local fun makers Tynkertopia and face painting. There will also be a book signing with author Austin Aslan, a playwriting showcase, and a crafty Studio Night! We don’t want to forget the writing workshop with author Annette McGiveney! You can also win a Bookmans prize pack AND give something back by donating books to the Book Drive Benefiting the Literacy Center.

Bookmans East is highlighting youth authors this Independent Bookstore Day with a Youth Book Fest from 12-3 PM! Children’s and YA authors from all around Southern Arizona will be there. Mega-star author Adam Rex (Fat Vampire, Star Wars Are You Scared, Darth Vader?) will be there too! They’ll be showcasing their books, meeting their fans, and interacting with their literary community. Come on down to discover new authors. It’s a great way to show your children the authors behind their favorite reads. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to write your own youth books!

We all know that independent bookstores are so much more than books, and that’s why Bookmans Phoenix is kicking off their Independent Bookstore Day (post VIB event, of course), with a Ukulele Jamboree. But we wouldn’t forget that books are at the heart of our store! One of our favorite authors, Phoebe Fox of MamaFox Books, will be having a meet and greet with her fans! There will also be face painting, a prize giveaway, and a button decorating session too.

Did you know that April is National Poetry Month? Bookmans Midtown did, and that’s why they are a Local Poetry Society Social starting at 12 PM. They’ve also scored an amazing Keynote poet Kenneth Randle Landers who will be doing a reading from his popular book The Arizona Son and his upcoming book Black Honey, hitting shelves April 12! You can even grab a copy at our store to have signed. To entertain the whole family as they keep it local, Midtown will also have a face painting session. DJ Circuitous Vibes promises to keep the atmosphere chill so you can enjoy our Independent Bookstore Day Bonanza!

If Northwest is your local Bookmans store, you’re in luck, because Pet Partners of Southern Arizona are bringing by some pawsome pals over for Independent Bookstore Day! The Pet Partners helps kids and adults learn to read by having them practice reading to animals. The animals are in need of some love and attention, so it’s a win-win for humans and animals alike! Help create the community puzzle, get your face painted with local favorite children’s entertainer Silly Tassie, and let’s play some games. Northwest will have a video game setup! You can select some great games from our case. Prefer board games? They’ll have a board game station as well so you can get your Independent Bookstore Day game on!

Bookmans Mesa has a ton of fun for the entire family on Independent Bookstore Day including a magical meet and greet with Aladdin and Jasmine from Enchanted Entertainment after a thrilling Dr. Seuss celebration! Parents will want to stick around for Mesa’s visiting musicians, The Sonoran Surfers too. If you’re a late night bookstore shopper, join them for their bookmark making crafting session. Not only will there be a ton of fun in store, but there will be something delicious outside the store too because local favorite The Traveling Cup Cafe is heading to our store from 8:30 AM until 3 PM. They’ll have tasty treats for sale including coffees, bagels, muffins, and more!

Thank you all for supporting your local Bookmans for Independent Bookstore Day 2019!