Abbey Paxton opened Storyhouse Bookpub in 2021. Swing by for Indie Bookstore Day to grab some merch and a new novel. (Photo: Duane Tinkey)
This Saturday, April 27, is Independent Bookstore Day, and our local sellers are celebrating accordingly. Eight book stores scattered through Ames, Ankeny, Des Moines and Indianola have teamed up to create a weekend passport challenge for readers and shoppers, with various deals, activities and goodies to mark the day. Collect a passport stamp at all eight locations and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 shopping spree. Here’s what’s in store:
Dog-Eared Books, Ames. Custom stickers, balloons, coloring pages and special T-shirts.
Dungeon’s Gate, Ankeny. Storewide discounts, new merchandise, Magoo’s Pizza Food Truck and trivia.
Raccoon River Press, Ankeny. The online store will host its pop-up shop at Uptown Garage (305 S.W. Walnut St.) featuring books, brews and a drag story time at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. Free “blind date with a book” packages, live music, tote bags and a golden ticket scavenger hunt for free audiobooks.
Reading in Public Bookstore + Cafe, West Des Moines. Tote bags, 50% off clearance items and spring drinks from the cafe.
Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines. Ice cream, bingo, tote bags and an outdoor used book sale.
Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. Buy one, get one free discounts on select hardcovers, plus advanced review copy giveaways and refreshments.
The Little Book, Des Moines. Discounts on select young adult novels, tote bags and other merchandise, and coupons for nearby Highland Park businesses.
