Independent Bookstore Day

Independent Bookstore Day takes place this year on Saturday, April 27, and the Novel Neighbor, the Book House, Left Bank Books and Subterranean Books all mark the day with special events. The Book House (7352 Manchester Road, Maplewood; www.bookhousestl.com) and Left Bank (399 North Euclid Avenue; www.left-bank.com) have official merchandise for the occasion, which this year includes literary tea towels, a James Baldwin pin and the Atlas Obscura Guide to Literary Places. Staff at Subterranean (6275 Delmar Boulevard, University City; www.subbooks.com) will dress as literary characters, while some special merchandise on offer features shop dog and de facto mascot Teddy. The Loop shop is also hosting the Great Bookstore Bake Off, in which staffers create a signature bake from a literary reference. Meanwhile, the Novel Neighbor (7905 Big Bend Boulevard, Webster Groves; www.thenovelneighbor.com) will have snacks and adult beverages for adult shoppers. All locations, suffice it to say, will be selling books, books, books. Check the websites for hours and more information, and buy more books.