A PW staffer takes readers on a photo tour of local children’s bookstores celebrating Independent Bookstore Day.
Independent Bookstore day was first celebrated in California in 2014. Last year, it went national and 2016 saw over 400 bookstores participating. Quite a few New York and New Jersey locations were in on the fun, so I decided to venture forth into the sunshine and visit the children’s bookstores in the city, with the Strand thrown in because why not? I’d forgotten how much I loved just being in a bookstore!
Spouses Matt Miller and Maggie Pouncey, owners of the brand-new Stories in Brooklyn. Miller reported that they were very pleased with the turnout they’d had and that they’re looking forward to the adult and children’s programming they have planned for the shop.
While Stories’ grand opening happens later this month, the bookstore, which will also feature a storytelling workshop, opened its doors on Saturday to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day. Author events and hands-on activities for children went on throughout the day.
Stories’ picture book game was particularly on point. Don’t these shelves look great? And if you squint, you can make out their rare and collectible shelf in the upper left hand corner.
Many people were out and about on this gorgeous spring day. What better way to spend it than by looking through the Strand’s book carts along the sidewalk?
When I arrived at Books of Wonder, there was hardly anyone there. However, staff member Tricia Lin assured me that they had been extremely busy in the morning. There was even a line waiting before they opened!
Bank Street Bookstore in upper Manhattan had a number of author events throughout the day. Author Adam Gidwitz spoke with a group of young readers about A Grimm Conclusion, the final book in his A Tale Dark & Grimm series, and answered questions about his retelling of The Empire Strikes Back.
Andy Laties, Bank Street’s manager, said that the store’s recent move has forced them to be very creative with their stock, as the new store is about half the size of the old space.
Author Calvin Ramsey, seen here with his picture book Ruth and the Green Book, met readers and signed books at Bank Street. Ramsey credits Bank Street, along with other children’s bookstores, with providing a safe, fun space for kids.
My haul! I couldn’t go on a bookstore crawl and not pick up a few books. And I’ve got three more on order. On a completely unrelated note: my rent money has mysteriously disappeared.
