Bards Alley To Mark Independent Bookstore Day With Activities

VIENNA, VA—Book worms have a day to look forward to this month: Independent Bookstore Day on Saturday, April 27. Vienna's own independent bookstore Bards Alley will celebrate with a community-wide book hunt and other activities.

"I think of independent bookstores as special places where we can share thoughts and ideas freely and strengthen our connection to one another," says Bards Alley owner Jen Morrow. "In this spirit, we look forward to celebrating Independent Bookstore Day with our community."

The bookstore will hide over 100 advance reader galleys around participating businesses in Vienna. Other activities for Independent Bookstore Day include an in-store scavenger hunt with prizes, literature-themed children's concert, portrait drawing with an illustrator, live music, drinks and board games. Bards Alley will also offer exclusive items for Independent Bookstore Day by major publishers and authors.

Here's the full schedule:

• Beginning at 9 a.m. - Book hunt
• 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. - Literature-themed concert with children’s musician Groovy Nate
• 2 p.m.-3 p.m. - Portrait drawing with children’s book illustrator Zara Gonzalez Hoang
• 5 p.m.-6 p.m. - Live music, special drinks, and board games

Bards Alley carries over 5,000 titles paired with a rotating selection of wine, craft beer, locally made bread, cheese, soup and charcuterie. The bookstore regularly hosts author readings, story times, book clubs and other events.

Independent Bookstore Day is marking its fifth year. More than 200 authors have donated items in support of independent bookstores. Last year, independent bookstores saw book sales increase by an average 200 percent because of the one-day event. This year's Independent Bookstore Day is sponsored in part by Penguin Random House, Ingram, and The American Booksellers Association.

Bards Alley is located at 110 Church Street NW and is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information on National Independent Bookstore Day, visit www.indiebookstoreday.com.