Apr 25, 2026
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — From free audiobook credits and significant markdowns to the chance to chat with authors, Richmond-area bookstores are pulling out all the stops for Independent Bookstore Day. On Saturday, April 25, 11 bookstores will kick off a three-week celebration that encourages bookwo rms and even potential readers to check out all their stores. In addition to the grand prize of $50 gift cards from all 11 stores that those who participate will get a chance to win, the stores also have special events, treasure hunts and pricing for the day. Here’s a list of all the shops, their hours on Indie Bookstore Day and what they’ve told us or the public they’re offering. Abi's Books and Brews (1212 1/2 W. Cary St., Richmond)6 a.m. – 9 p.m. According to the store’s Instagram, the staff has added shelves and books to mark the day. bbgb (3003 W. Cary St., Richmond)10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Owner Jill Stefanovich told 8News those who stop by will find book raffles, sweet treats, refreshments and Indie Bookstore Day's exclusive merchandise. And for young fans of historic women who “kicked butt," they can chat with Kris Coronado, author of “Lighthouse Ladies: Shining a Spotlight on Hardy Heroines." She’ll be in the store as a guest bookseller. Brian's Books (2514 P St., Richmond)11 a.m. – 6 p.m. In an interview for an ongoing series on our All About Books podcast, hosted by evening anchor Deanna Allbrittin, Brian Baynes expressed his excitement for his first-ever Indie Bookstore Day. In his store, which opened last summer, Baynes said his shelves will be filled with new used books. Plus, he’ll be giving out copies of the first issue of Short Stop, a community newspaper with submissions from customers. Book People (10464 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico)10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Co-owner Christy Miller shared their in-store guest booksellers list with us, which includes authors Meg Medina, Rachel McRady and Tony Gentry. She said they’ll also have door prizes and giveaways. Fountain Bookstore (1307 E. Cary St., Richmond)10 a.m. – 5 p.m. According to their Instagram, Fountain Bookstore will debut a new, limited-edition hat in their merchandise section. This is Fountain’s first Indie Bookstore Day at its new location. The store relocated to a larger space across from its old location in Shockoe Slip. ILYSM Books (119 W. Brookland Park Blvd., Richmond)10 a.m. – 5 p.m. According to the store’s Instagram page, the first 25 customers to make purchases will get a free handmade button saying, “I LOVE indie bookstores.” Even if you’re not one of the first 25, you can still sip on vegan matcha from Find Your Exit Plan. The mobile cart will be at the store all day. Plus, Polaroid booth photography pop-up Big Day Polaroids will be on site. MORE: All About Books: When your favorite local bookstore will be featured Little Bookshop (1244 Sycamore Square Drive, Midlothian)11 a.m. – 4 p.m. According to their April newsletter, the store will have giveaways, raffles and snacks, plus merchandise crafted specially for the “bookish” holiday. Midlothian Book Exchange (13198 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian)10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Co-owner Caroline Davidson told 8News the store is continuing its 40th birthday celebration with members being let in early and gift bags for the first 10 customers. The staff has also hidden 40 coupons throughout the store, which customers can redeem for various prizes. The store will also feature book “blind dates," which is where you choose a wrapped book based solely on a short, written summary of the book. Plus, one lucky customer will walk away with a Libro.fm Golden Ticket, providing 12 free audiobook credits on the platform that allows book listeners to still support their local bookstore. Resist Booksellers (233 N. Sycamore St., Suite B, Petersburg)10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Resist Booksellers, the second bookstore featured on our All About Books podcast series visiting independent shops across Central Virginia, is open an hour earlier than usual for bookworms’ favorite holiday. The store is also partnering with Lit Bae Books to host a “blind date with a bookshop.” Shoppers can also meet Desiree Cooper at 12 p.m. for an author chat. Their book, “Black Summers: Growing Up in the Urban Outdoors," will be available to buy. Plus, Resist will have indie bookstore exclusive editions of “Blacktop Wasteland” by SA Cosby, “Black AF History” by Michael Harriot and “Last Night in Brooklyn” by Xochitl Gonzalez. Like Midlothian Book Exchange, Shelf Life and Small Friend Record and Books, the store is also advertising its Libro.fm Golden Ticket for some customers to find. Shelf Life (2913 W. Cary St., Richmond)10 a.m. – 6 p.m. According to its Instagram, Shelf Life is offering a discount for those who buy Shelf Life merchandise and at least one book. Plus, the store said some of what they’re selling will be exclusively offered for Indie Bookstore Day, including certain totes and signed books, such as SA Cosby’s “Blacktop Wasteland” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid." Shelf Life’s bookstore “holiday” marketing also features the Libro.fm Golden Ticket that will be hidden in the shop. Small Friend Records and Books (1 N. Lombardy St., Richmond)11 a.m. – 5 p.m. On the heels of Record Store Day just the weekend before, Small Friend Records and Books is giving music and book lovers a shot at blending both passions to listen to a book. The store is one of several with a Libro.fm Golden Ticket hidden for a customer to find. ...read more read less
Respond, make new discussions, see other discussions and customize your news...

To add this website to your home screen:

1. Tap tutorialsPoint

2. Select 'Add to Home screen' or 'Install app'.

3. Follow the on-scrren instructions.

Feedback
FAQ
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service