Indie Bookstore Day 2026
By Sarah Hall
This Saturday is Independent Bookstore Day, an annual one-day party held at bookstores nationwide on the last Saturday in April. It’s always an especially great day to drop by your local bookshop, as many stores host special events to celebrate.
Did you know that Vermont and New Hampshire—the two states served by CLiF—are among the top in the nation for independent bookstores per capita? We’re proud to work in such a book-loving region and grateful for the opportunity to partner with so many incredible independent booksellers. Their support is invaluable in helping us get beautiful, high-quality books into the hands of the children and families we serve.
In honor of Independent Bookstore Day 2026, we want to recognize our bookstore partners who generously hosted holiday book drives for CLiF this year. We highly recommend visiting every one of these stores, whether in person or online; this Saturday, or any day! Where possible, we’ve included some of the fun plans stores have announced, but we know many locations have surprises up their sleeves, so we encourage you to go see for yourselves!
If you are an individual or business interested in hosting a book drive for CLiF, please contact CLiF project specialist Mary Edith Leichliter (maryedith@clifonline.org) for more information.
Bartleby’s Books, Wilmington, VT
Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, Bartleby’s has been the area’s independent bookseller since 1989. Popular with locals and visitors alike, the store offers a wide range of titles across most genres, as well as a carefully chosen selection of cards, gifts and games, and artwork by local artists.
Bear Pond Books, Montpelier, VT
A mainstay of downtown Montpelier’s shopping district since 1973, Bear Pond Books is a destination for readers of all ages. The store offers a wide selection of both new and used books, expertly curated by the dedicated staff. An inviting children’s room on the second floor houses both an impressive assortment of books for young readers, and a resident Russian tortoise named Veruca. (You can follow Veruca on Instagram.)
This Saturday: Celebrate Veruca’s birthday! Starting at 11am, join authors Laurel Neme and Jenn Bailey in the Bear Pond children’s room for animal story time, birthday card making, games and cake! Plus, galley giveaways while supplies last.
Bookery, Manchester, NH
Bookery is “a hub for book-lovers, artists, politicians, workers, dreamers, and those with extraordinary imaginations.” With a balance of mainstream and lesser-known titles on offer, Bookery stocks something for every type of reader.
This Saturday: Join the Bookery for a day filled with books, prizes, discounts, live music, authors, and so much more!
The Bookstore, Brandon, VT
When Brandon’s last remaining bookstore was slated to close in 2019, a group of like-minded individuals with a shared passion for books and community came together to make a plan. The result was The Bookstore, a community-supported, independent bookseller that offers “as diverse and whimsical a selection of titles and miscellany” as can fit in the 1000-square-foot space it occupies in the historic Briggs Carriage House.
Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, VT
Serving as Waterbury’s independent bookstore since 2009, Bridgeside is in the business of keeping brains engaged. With over 3,000 books in stock, as well as art supplies, puzzles, games and other unique treasures, there’s no excuse for boredom within these store walls!
This Saturday: Celebrate the launch of Bridgeside’s 2026 One Town, One Book reading initiative, with the author onsite to sign copies from 11am-1pm.
The Eloquent Page, Saint Albans, VT
This traditional brick-and-mortar bookstore in downtown Saint Albans houses 35,000 books across all genres, both new and used. The store hosts regular events featuring local authors.
Everyone’s Books, Brattleboro, VT
Located in downtown Brattleboro, Everyone’s Books is an independent bookstore specializing in books about diversity, social change and environmental issues.
Gibson’s Bookstore, Concord, NH
Founded in 1898, Gibson's is the oldest continuously operating retailer in the Concord area, and the largest independent bookstore in northern New England. The store stocks a generous inventory of books across all genres, as well as a curated selection of used books. Gibson’s also sells an assortment of toys, socks, art supplies and tote bags, and has an in-store cafe where hungry browsers can satisfy their cravings.
This Saturday: Meet authors Kari Allen, Patricia Zube, Jeff Lang, and Sam Kelly Theodosopoulos, and celebrate with balloon animals, exclusive merch, and more! 10am-4pm.
Inklings Children’s Books, Waitsfield, VT
Inklings Children's Books opened its doors in the Mad River Valley in 2023, and hosts storytimes, author events, and rotating craft activities for young patrons. The store is dedicated to providing a space where kids and adults can come for a diverse collection of books.
This Saturday: Offering multiple storytimes, live music, and crafts.
Little Village Toy & Bookshop, Littleton, NH
Little Village Toy & Bookshop offers a wide selection of books, toys and games for kids and adults alike. The store prides itself in sourcing unique items, with a focus on quality and value.
This Saturday: Offering special signed editions, limited indie bookstore editions, tote bags, and giveaways while supplies last!
Norwich Bookstore, Norwich, VT
Serving readers in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire since 1994, the Norwich Bookstore has something for fans of all genres. The children’s section is bright and well-stocked; perfectly designed to capture the interest of young readers. Norwich Bookstore maintains an active calendar of events, including community programming and author talks.
This Saturday: One of five stops on the Upper Valley Indie Bookstore Day Crawl! Visit all five stores and get a 20% off coupon at the store of your choice, plus entry into a raffle of gift cards and goodies.
Phoenix Books, Burlington and Essex, VT
Community-minded and passionate about the power of shopping locally, the Phoenix stores offer books for all interests and budgets, and take pride in serving as gathering spaces for their customers. Phoenix also operates its own publishing imprint, Onion River Press, with the intent of giving local authors a self-publishing alternative to Amazon.
This Saturday: Participate in the Phoenix Books bookish scavenger hunt for a chance to win a $25 Phoenix Books Gift card; and shop exclusive IBD merch, special editions and more!
Still North Books and Bar, Hanover, NH
A combo bookstore-bar-cafe, Still North serves up a curated book collection alongside craft beers, wine, light bites and coffee. Shoppers will find a generous selection of everything from kids’ books and new releases, to books by Dartmouth faculty and local authors.
This Saturday: One of five stops on the Upper Valley Indie Bookstore Day Crawl! Plus book, drink and merch specials; a free mystery book when you spend $50 or more; and a free limited edition tote bag when you spend $100 or more. (While supplies last.)
Toadstool Bookshop, Keene and Peterborough, NH
Toadstool Bookshop’s original location, in Peterborough, opened in 1972, followed by the Keene location in 1983. As “a bookstore for bookstore lovers,” each location carries 70,000 titles, with a focus on being reflective of the communities they serve.
This Saturday: Join the fun with raffles, a scavenger hunt, ARCs available for $1 donations to the Community Kitchen, and free goodies.(Keene location.)
The Yankee Bookshop, Woodstock, VT
Vermont’s oldest continuously operating bookstore has been serving the literary needs of Woodstock and surrounding towns since 1935. Visitors will find a wide selection of general interest books, as well a unique assortment of vinyl, stationery, bookish gifts, puzzles, and more.
This Saturday: One of five stops on the Upper Valley Indie Bookstore Day Crawl! Plus, Books by the Pound fundraiser for the local Woodstock Community Food Shelf; exclusive Indie Bookstore Day merch; Get What You Get mystery book bundles free with $50 purchase (while they last); free tote bag with $100 purchase (while they last).