Home » Canadian Independent Bookstore Day 2021

Share this post!

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day 2021

Logo for Canadian Independent Bookstore Day

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (CIBD) is coming up this Saturday, April 24! It is a wonderful opportunity to show support for your local bookstores.

If you buy a book from any Canadian indie bookstore on April 24 or 25 and keep your receipt, you’ll be eligible to enter the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association’s contest for a chance to win a one-of-a-kind virtual author experience. Online purchases made from indie bookstores’ websites or phone orders are eligible and encouraged. One of the contest prizes, donated by Alberta’s own Durvile & UpRoute Books, is a ticket to attend Indigenous Language Fest, where winners can expect language lessons from the Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, and Métis Nations along with readings, drumming, singing, and recipes from Lynda Partridge, author of the award-winning book Lillian and Kokomis: The Spirit of Dance; Crystal Many Fingers, author of Creator and the Seven Animals; and Bailey Oster, co-editor of Stories of Métis Women: Tales My Kokum Told Me. Contest rules and entry forms can be found here.

Alberta bookstores are pulling out the stops for CIBD 2021 as best they can with a third wave of COVID-19 keeping restrictions high and the need to shop safely a priority. This year, contactless purchases are strongly encouraged. If you’re not sure how to purchase online from your local bookstore, check out our handy guide to buying Alberta books online.

Participating Alberta stores and any planned CIBD activities they’ve announced are listed below, but remember that a purchase from ANY Canadian independent bookstore will earn you entry into the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association’s contest, whether or not the store appears on this list:

Calgary

OWL’S NEST BOOKS

Owl’s Nest Books will offer a special 10% discount on staff picks. Customers are strongly encouraged to purchase online and use the store’s delivery or contact-less curbside pick up options.

Plus they are participating in the #AnonymouseChallenge as part of CIBD 2021! Families will document a discovery walk in their neighbourhood or create something for their community and then post on social media using #AnonymouseChallenge by April 24, 2021. The team at Owl’s Nest will choose one local submission and the winner will receive a special prize pack.

SHELF LIFE BOOKS

Shelf Life Books is participating in the #AnonymouseChallenge as part of CIBD 2021! Families will document a discovery walk in their neighbourhood or create something for their community and then post on social media using #AnonymouseChallenge by April 24, 2021. The team at Shelf Life will choose one local submission and the winner will receive a special prize pack.

Canmore

CAFÉ BOOKS 

Any online or in-store purchases made on April 24 will receive double reward points and customers will be entered into a draw to win a Café Books tote bag with books and goodies.

Cochrane

EVEXIA TRAVEL & BOUTIQUE

Throughout the day on April 24, Evexia will give away gifts and door prizes to customers, offer discounts, and invite customers to enter draws for prize baskets. They will also host seven local authors for readings and signings (outdoors/time slots booked in advance).

Edmonton

AUDREYS BOOKS

In celebration of CIBD 2021, Audreys Books is having a 20% sale on any in-store items purchased on April 24 (can take orders online or by phone). And they will host a special round of trivia on their social media channels for a chance to win a gift card for the store.

Plus they are participating in the #AnonymouseChallenge as part of CIBD 2021! Families will document a discovery walk in their neighbourhood or create something for their community and then post on social media using #AnonymouseChallenge by April 24, 2021. The team at Audreys Books will choose one local submission and the winner will receive a special prize pack.

GLASS BOOKSHOP 

For every $50 customers spend on book purchases on April 24, Glass Bookshop will provide a bonus $5 gift card. Glass Bookshop will also give away a prize pack featuring books by local writers and store merchandise. Visit their social media or more info.

This list will be updated as we learn about more CIBD events and activities.

Why support your local bookstores? They are an invaluable part of our communities and the Alberta book and writing industry as a whole. There are so many amazing things to say about Alberta’s bookstores, that we have a whole post about that!

So if you’re able, get online, on the phone, or abide carefully by Alberta Covid-19 restrictions at your local store, on Saturday, April 24, and buy some books! And if not, consider sharing your story of a great experience you had at an independent bookstore on social media.