BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo’s independent bookstore scene is getting a head start on this year’s Independent Bookstore Day. The event is celebrated on the last Saturday of April each year, this year falling on April 27.
Ahead of the 11th annual event, 12 local bookstores are participating in the Buffalo Bookstore Passport — an incentive program to visit each of the participating stores — where readers can collect stamps at each location between April 13 and April 27.
Completed passports will be entered to win a $25 gift card to each bookstore.
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Stores participating in the passport program include:
Black Rock Books 43 Hamilton St.
Alice, Ever After Books 295 Parkside Ave.
Burning Books 420 Connecticut St.
The Cracked Spine Buffalo 452 Amherst St.
Dog Ears Bookstore & Cafe 688 Abbott Road
Fitz Books & Waffles 433 Ellicott St.
Gutter Pop Comics: 1421 Hertel Ave.
Read It & Eat Bookshop 1432 Niagara St.
Rust Belt Books 415 Grant St.
Talking Leaves… Books 951 Elmwood Ave.
Westside Stories: 398 Grant St.
Zawadi Books: 1382 Jefferson Ave.
An additional four stores outside of the city are participating in the passport, with an extra entry given to readers with a stamp from each of these stores:
Good Neighbor Bookstore: 124 Chautauqua Ave. (Lakewood)
Lock City Books: 8 Market St. (Lockport)
Merit Badge Books: 40 Main St. (Hamburg)
Turn the Page Used Books: 79 Main St. A (Hamburg)
Additionally, Lauren VanOsten of Tiny Buffalo Designs Co. created a design that is being featured on tote bags, mugs and prints available at the bookstores for the event. Oxford Pennant also developed a Buffalo-themed bookmark for Indie Bookstore Day.
More info and additional Independent Bookstore Day promotions can be found at this link.