Here in the United States, the last Saturday of the month is Independent Booksellers Day. (That’s tomorrow if you’re reading this on the day it comes out.) It’s one of my favorite days of the year.

Normally I try to celebrate by visiting my neighborhood bookstores. I’m lucky enough to have three independent bookstores within walking distance: the fabulous Seminary Coop, its more commercial younger sister, 57th Street Books, and (brand new and just around the corner from our house) Call and Response Books, which specializes in books by and about people of color.* I am very very lucky to have so many choices.

A bookstore visit always leaves me feeling a little better. I browse.** I scan the shelf readers—those cards on the shelves that tell you something about a book. I chat about books with the booksellers. I eavesdrop on other people’s bookish conversations. I check to see if my books are on the shelves. I check to see if my friends books are on the shelves. I sheepishly take photos to post on social media. I try to resist the temptation to buy books I don’t need.*** I give in to temptation and buy some anyway, which I justify by reminding myself that it’s important to support independent bookstores.

f you’re lucky enough to have an independent bookstore near you, stop by and show them some love. If not, you can adopt an independent bookstore somewhere else—most of them ship. Or you can buy your books through Bookshop.org, an online bookseller that supports independent bookstores.

As for me, this year I will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day in Los Angeles, where I will sign books for two (2!!) independent booksellers. I will be on a panel at the Los Angeles Festival of Books,supported by Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore, at noon. Then I will attend a Meet and Greet at the celebration at Flintridge Books from three to five. I’d love to see you if you’re in the area. It’s going to be Big Fun!

*There is also a university bookstore in the neighborhood, which is run by Barnes and Noble. I tend to forget it’s there. Which is probably a good thing for my wallet and my bookshelves.

**I must admit, my browsing muscles atrophied during the pandemic and I am still working to rebuild them. Perhaps more bookstore visits are the answer.

***I have enough unread books to keep me going for years.