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Where to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day in Louisville

This page-turning occasion makes shopping at indie stores even better with special deals, releases, freebies, and chances to win prizes.

A cozy independent bookstore with green bookshelves filled with colorful books and gift items. A checkout counter with a touchscreen register, tip jar, and small displays sits in the foreground. The space has exposed brick walls, a wooden floor, and a sign on the door that reads “Foxing Books.”

You’ll find more than novels at Foxing Books on Independent Bookstore Day.

The only thing better than buying a new book: supporting a local bookstore with your purchase. That’s the sentiment behind Independent Bookstore Day, an annual observance that takes place Saturday, April 26 this year. If you want to partake in the fun, book it to these Louisville stores that are joining this year’s festivities.

Carmichael’s Bookstore
This indie store’s tale begins in 1978, and it’s been helping Louisville readers find their new favorite books ever since. It now has two main locations, plus a children’s store, and all will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with free giveaways, exclusive merch, and a chance to win prizes. The Frankfort Avenue location will also host a special storytime with children’s author Amanda Driscoll.

The exterior of Carmichael's books with a banner that reads "Est. 1978 Carmichael's Books" and posters on the wall on the left. The front doors are windowed and made on wood.

This store has been serving LOU since 1978.

Photo via @indybookgirls

Foxing Books
This South End shop is celebrating Independent Bookstore Day by spreading the love to other local businesses. While you browse books, enjoy coffee from Carter Coffee Co. + Beechmont Bakehouse’s pastries in the morning, or beer from Shippingport Brewing Company in the afternoon. Plus, pop-up vendor Zine Kween will join the fun.

Nook & Nowhere
Head to this store to find a new book, and stick around to read it in the cafe where you can order coffee drinks, wine, or cocktails. To celebrate the occasion, the store is offering drink deals and bonus rewards on purchases.

Bright red paint drips down the front of a small white building resembling blood.

Butcher Cabin Books is located at 990 Barret Ave. — formerly Currie Sound Systems.

Photo by LOUtoday

Butcher Cabin Books
Carve out some time to visit Louisville’s horror-themed bookstore and browse a frightening selection of books. The store will have book releases, exclusive merch, and morbid activities to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day — if that doesn’t lure you in, there will also be free puppy kisses.

A Novel Romance
If you’re a fan of romance novels, this Jeffersontown bookstore is your perfect match. It has shelves full of books organized by subgenres that will fill your heart, or break it, and there’s more to love for the indie celebration — you can score bonus reward points, branded merch, and a chance at prizes.

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