Bookshop Day

Bookshop Day is a celebration dedicated to honoring the charm and significance of local bookshops. It highlights the role of independent bookstores as cultural hubs that foster community connections, promote literacy, and share the joy of reading. This day encourages everyone to support these vital spaces by shopping locally, attending events, and sharing their love for books.

Quick Facts

When is it? October 4, 2025
Tagged as: Literary Celebration, Community Support
What’s the hashtag? #BookshopDay
When was it founded? 2013
Who founded it? The Booksellers Association

History of Bookshop Day

Bookshop Day was launched in 2013 by the Booksellers Association to support and celebrate independent bookstores. It was created to counteract the challenges posed by online retailers and large chain stores, emphasizing the unique value that local bookshops bring to communities. The initiative also aligns with the “Books Are My Bag” campaign to recognize booksellers’ contributions in connecting readers with amazing stories.

Timeline of Bookshop Day

14th Century: Commercial book trade develops in the UK with scribes creating manuscripts.
16th Century: Publishers and printers dominate the book trade, focusing on religious literature.
20th Century: Increased literacy leads to challenges for small booksellers due to corporate competition.
2013: The first Bookshop Day is observed to promote independent bookstores.
2025: Thousands of bookshops continue to participate in this annual celebration.

Bookshop Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	October 4	Saturday
2026	October 3	Saturday
2027	October 2	Saturday
2028	October 7	Saturday
2029	October 6	Saturday
2030	October 5	Saturday

Observed on Bookshop Day

Bookshop Day is observed with a variety of activities that celebrate books and bookstores:

Community Events: Bookshops host author signings, poetry readings, and workshops that bring people together over shared literary interests.
Shopping Local: Customers are encouraged to visit their neighborhood bookstores, supporting small businesses while discovering hidden literary gems.
Social Media Campaigns: Participants share their experiences and favorite finds using #BookshopDay, spreading awareness about the importance of local bookshops.

Fun Facts About Bookshop Day

The world’s oldest bookstore, Bertrand Bookshop in Lisbon, Portugal, has been operating since 1732.
Many bookshops use creative window displays during Bookshop Day to attract readers.
Some bookstores offer exclusive discounts or loyalty rewards on this day.

Quiz

What year was Bookshop Day founded?
Which organization created Bookshop Day?
What is the hashtag for Bookshop Day?
What is the world’s oldest operating bookstore?
Why is supporting local bookshops important?

(Answers: 1) 2013, 2) The Booksellers Association, 3) #BookshopDay, 4) Bertrand Bookshop in Lisbon, Portugal, 5) They foster community connections and promote literacy.)

FAQs

What is Bookshop Day?
Bookshop Day is an annual celebration that honors local bookshops and their contributions to communities.

Why is it celebrated in October?
October marks the start of the fall selling season for books and leads up to holiday shopping.

Who organizes Bookshop Day events?
Events are organized by independent bookstores and supported by the Booksellers Association.

How can I participate in Bookshop Day?
You can visit your local bookstore, attend events like readings or signings, or share your experience online using #BookshopDay.

What does “Books Are My Bag” mean?
It’s a campaign launched alongside Bookshop Day to celebrate booksellers and their role in promoting literature.

Importance of Bookshop Day

Bookshop Day serves as a reminder of how vital independent bookstores are to our communities. These spaces provide more than just books—they offer personalized recommendations, foster connections among readers, and serve as cultural hubs where creativity thrives. Supporting local bookshops ensures that diverse voices in literature continue to be heard while helping small businesses flourish.