Phil Ammann
Book lovers and supporters of shopping locally can fuel their passions Saturday during National Independent Bookstore Day.
Midtown Reader, Tallahassee’s newest and hottest independent bookstore, is taking part in the third annual nationwide event, held on the last Saturday in April, with hourly specials from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Founded by influential political adviser Sally Bradshaw, Midtown Reader is one of nearly 500 independent bookstores in 48 states celebrating the power of reading and shopping locally, hosting author appearances, children’s activities, special deals and other promotions.
Every indie bookstore is unique, as will be every party on Indie Bookstore Day. To find the nearest bookstore joining the festivities, visit indiebookstoreday.com.
Midtown Reader’s contribution to the community-based celebration includes a schedule of activities and highlights of local author/children’s events.
On Saturday, Midtown Reader will have an hourly flash-sale table, rotating with series of sales categories, filled with fun books and titles curated by its knowledgeable staff.
The party begins at 10 a.m. with “Books to Read Over Coffee” followed by:
— 11 a.m.: Storybook Hour and Crafts for Kids with the Lion in costume from THE LION IN PARIS by the award-winning Beatrice Alamagna + Flash Sale – Books for Young Animal Lovers
— Noon: Flash Sale — Books to Drool Over
— 1 p.m.: Flash Sale — Books for Book Lovers
— 2 p.m.: Flash Sale — Books for Artists and Art Lovers
— 3 p.m.: Flash Sale — Books that Give Us the Creeps
— 4 p.m.: Flash Sale — Books from Around the World
— 5 p.m.: Flash Sale — Books that Give Us Hope
— 5:30 p.m.: Reading and signing with author Skip Horack/THE OTHER JOSEPH introduced by author Jimmy Kimbrell/SMOTE.
All-day events include live music, a special “Blind Date with a Book” table and raffles with prizes for those taking part In the Midtown Reader Passport event, as well as drawings for those sustaining and supporting members.
Each purchase gets a special bookstore cookie, and every $100 purchase comes with a free Indie Bookstore Day tote.
Also, literary-themed cocktails will be available at the Reader’s neighbor, Waterworks, Tallahassee’s premier Tiki bar and eatery.
Visitors to the shop can also make their mark by signing and adding their favorite book to the “Tallahassee’s Favorite Book” wall.
Midtown Reader is at 1123 Thomasville Rd. in Tallahassee; more information is at midtownreader.com or by calling (850) 425-BOOK(2665).
