Latest news with #IndependentBookstoreDay
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tri-State bookstores celebrate Independent Bookstore Day
HENDERSON, Ky. (WHEHT) — Bookstores across the Tri-State celebrated Independent Bookstore Day Saturday. The Evansville bookstore Bluestocking Social celebrated by having a story time, as well as hiding a golden ticket in the store, that would give the finder a lifetime supply of audio books. 'It's something that I think holds up a lot of community and is just something special that I think like bookstores are just like a warm place in everyone's hearts, so I think it's a way to celebrate those stores,' said the owner of Bluestocking Social Annie Fitzpatrick. Bluestocking Social is located on Weinbach Avenue in Evansville. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Klang Valley's Indie bookstores every Malaysian reader needs to discover
I HAPPEN to love bookstores. There's something magical about the smell of books, the gentle hush that invites exploration, and the joy of wandering through book-lined shelves like it's an adventure waiting to happen. Independent bookstores are more than places to buy books. They're community spaces, cultural sanctuaries and the beating hearts of neighbourhoods. Run by passionate readers who often know your name — and your reading tastes — these stores offer something giant bookstores and online retailers never can: connection. They champion local authors, host spirited book clubs and readings, and give space to underrepresented voices that often get lost in mass-market algorithms. They take risks on quirky titles and emerging writers. They curate, recommend and remind us of the joy of browsing without a search bar. In a world of one-click checkouts and faceless algorithms, independent bookstores are human. They are places where stories are personal, where conversations begin and where a child might discover the book that shapes their dreams. Here in Malaysia, our independent bookstores need our support more than ever. In a tough retail climate, these small shops continue to fight for literature, language and local voices. They stock titles that reflect our shared history, our multilingualism and our beautifully complex identity. By supporting them, we keep alive not just a business, but a cultural ecosystem that tells our stories. As we celebrated Independent Bookstore Day on the last Saturday in April, we're reminded that these small, spirited shops matter — not just for what they sell, but for what they stand for. In their quiet, stubborn way, they continue to prove that we still need the printed word — and the people who believe in it. BALAI BUKU RAYA Tucked away in the artsy enclave of the Zhongshan Building, Balai Buku Raya is a warm literary haven for lovers of Malay literature. Its shelves brim with both new and vintage second-hand books, thoughtfully curated to include rare Malay titles and English-language works steeped in Malaysian themes and culture. Far from the gloss of commercial bookstores, it's a quiet refuge — intimate, grounded and deeply rooted in the literary soul of the nation. WHERE: 2nd Floor, The Zhongshan Building, Second Floor, 84 B, Jalan Rotan, Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur OPENING HOURS: Tue - Sun: 12pm to 6pm INSTAGRAM: @balaibukuraya BUKU BY PJ PRELOVED HOUSE BUKU is Malaysia's first self-service second-hand bookstore — a quiet revolution in reading and recycling. This community-driven initiative has rescued over 100,000 books from ending up in landfills, giving them a second life on the shelves. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, wander through the aisles, and stumble upon forgotten classics or unexpected treasures. With its trust-based system and laid-back vibe, BUKU isn't just a bookstore — it's a movement to reconnect people with the joy of reading and the value of reuse. WHERE: Lot L3-21, Level 3, INC, 3 Jalan Bangsar, KL Eco City OPENING HOURS: Mon - Sun: 10am to 9pm INSTAGRAM: @ GERAKBUDAYA True to its name — "movement of cultures" — Gerakbudaya is more than a bookstore; it's a dynamic cultural hub. Specialising in titles that delve into social justice, political thought, and Southeast Asian identity, it champions voices that challenge, provoke, and inspire. The space regularly hosts book launches, forums and spirited discussions, drawing thinkers, readers, activists and changemakers into meaningful dialogue. Gerakbudaya is where ideas take root, conversations thrive and the written word becomes a force for change. OPENING HOURS: Daily: 10am to 7pm INSTAGRAM: @gerakbudaya JUNK BOOK STORE One of Kuala Lumpur's oldest and most iconic second-hand bookstores, Junk Book Store is a three-storey literary labyrinth packed with over three million books. Don't let its modest exterior fool you — inside lies a wonderland of comics, vintage paperbacks, obscure academic texts and even vinyl records. It's a true treasure trove for the patient, the curious and anyone who believes that the best finds are often tucked away in the most unexpected corners. KEDAI FIXI Kedai Fixi is the flagship bookstore of Buku Fixi, a Malaysian independent publisher founded in 2011 by filmmaker Amir Muhammad. Known for its bold and edgy fiction, Fixi specialises in contemporary urban stories that reflect the complexities of Malaysian society. More than just a bookstore, Kedai Fixi champions local voices by stocking not only Fixi's own titles but also works from fellow indie publishers like DuBook Press, Lejen Press and Maple Comics. A must-visit for anyone curious about modern Malaysian literature and alternative storytelling. INSTAGRAM: @kedaifixi LIT BOOKS Lit Books is a boutique English-language bookstore run by a pair of former journalists who share a deep love for the written word. With a distinctly literary slant, the store prides itself on its thoughtfully curated collection of fiction and nonfiction, offering everything from critically acclaimed titles to hidden literary gems. Cosy and personal, Lit Books is a haven for discerning readers who value curation over commercialism. INSTAGRAM: @mylitbooks Riwayat is an independent bookstore nestled within a restored pre-war shophouse at 34, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee in Kuala Lumpur's historic Chinatown. Founded by Muhammad Nazreen and Engku Roestam Alias — both passionate advocates for Malaysian literature — Riwayat offers a thoughtfully curated selection of new, used, and rare books, with a strong emphasis on Malaysian and Southeast Asian history, culture, and literature. INSTAGRAM: @riwayatmy TINTABUDI Tintabudi is a haven for readers drawn to Southeast Asian literature, philosophy, and the humanities. Known for its sharp curation, the bookstore houses rare and thought-provoking works that highlight the region's rich intellectual and literary heritage. More than just a retail space, Tintabudi regularly hosts literary discussions and events, creating a vibrant community of thinkers, writers and book lovers united by a passion for cultural exchange and deep reading. WHERE: A-1-13, TTDI Plaza, Jalan Wan Kadir 3, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, INSTAGRAM: @tintabudi TOKOSUE INDIE BOOKSTORE TOKOSUE may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to championing Malaysia's indie literary and arts scene. Specialising in zines, self-published titles, and handcrafted goods, this pocket-sized gem celebrates creativity on the fringes. It's a refreshing antidote to commercial bookstores, spotlighting voices that are bold, original, and often underrepresented. INSTAGRAM: @tokosuemalaysia SUNDA SHELVES Sunda Shelves is a quiet sanctuary for nature lovers, scientists, and curious minds alike. Specialising in books on natural history, ecology, and the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia, this thoughtfully curated bookstore invites readers to explore the wonders of forests, caves, reptiles, insects, and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit. Its name pays homage to the Sunda Shelf — a vast underwater expanse that once connected the region's islands to the mainland — symbolising the deep-rooted interconnections in nature and knowledge. At Sunda Shelves, every book is a window into the natural world, offering insight, wonder and a renewed sense of responsibility towards our planet.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Independent Bookstore Day is a success for local shop
SHARON, Pa., (WKBN) — Saturday was a special day for some local shops and book lovers. It was Independent Bookstore Day, a national day of recognition to spotlight indie bookstores. The Wandering Soul in Sharon was one of the local shops celebrating. They offered pizza and snacks to patrons and ran a special buy two books get one free. 'For a lot of us small business owners, our heart is very much invested in our business as well as our community. This is our home away from home. That's what I think is the distinction between the big boxes and us,' said owner Dani Johnson. The owner says the day was a success and there was a line waiting outside for the store to open. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Amazon blasted for 'unintentional' move on Independent Bookstore Day
Amazon has been slammed by local book sellers for hosting its second annual book sale at the same time as Independent Bookstore Day's 12th celebration. Amazon's book sale began on April 23 and is set to last through to April 28, while Independent Bookstore Day on April 26 has been an annual tradition on the last Saturday in April for more than a decade. The coinciding dates have irked independent sellers, who have described the move as 'cruel.' 'It's cynical, manipulative, and cruel - and for what? Amazon has already put half the bookstores in the country out of business, controlling over 60 percent of the market and selling far more books than all indie bookstores combined,' Andy Hunter, founder of said. Independent Bookstore Day is organized by the American Booksellers Association and considered the one of the biggest days of the year for local booksellers. Amazon, which announced the book sale on April 15, claimed in a statement to Vulture that the 'overlap was unintentional.' 'The dates for our sale were set this year to accommodate additional participating countries,' the statement said. Amazon did not immediately respond to request for comment. The coinciding dates have irked independent sellers, who have described the move as 'cruel.' 'It's cynical, manipulative, and cruel - and for what? Amazon has already put half the bookstores in the country out of business...' said Andy Hunter However, many indie book sellers believe that the move had far more sinister intentions. James Webster, who is opening Recluse Books in Texas with his wife, told Vulture: 'I'm sure if you were to reach out to Marlboro, they would tell you that it's just a coincidence that the heaviest cigarette smokers get cancer.' 'At best it's insensitive and at worst it seems like a tactic to hurt small businesses,' Allison Hill, CEO of the American Booksellers Association, said. Fatuma Hydara, owner of Tuma's Books in New York, told the outlet: 'Independent Bookstore Day happens the same weekend every year. There's no way their people didn't know this day was coming.' 'I don't believe that it's true at all. And if it is true, that's really silly of them, and they're not nearly as impressive as they think.' Kelsey Black of the Book Burrow near Austin, Texas, said: 'I just rolled my eyes and thought, "Of course they did." We can't even have one day where it's just us - Amazon has to swoop in.' The overlap of events comes at a cost for the independent bookstores, considering Amazon's size and ability to sell books with over a 50 percent markdown. Many stores across the US celebrated the event, nonetheless, including treasure hunts for prizes, cupcakes, pop up stores, and deals and sales throughout the day. Kelly Jo in Illinois wrote on Facebook: 'Tomorrow is Independent Bookstore Day. And shocker - Amazon's "big annual book sale" magically lands on the same weekend. It's not a coincidence. It's a strategy.' 'This isn't about books. It's about every local shop, salon, café, and small business fighting to survive while giants rig the game.' Another book enthusiast, Briana Lindquist, wrote: 'This year, Amazon decided to hold a big sale that overlaps with Independent Bookstore Day. Help me keep my favorite places alive by stopping in a bookstore today instead of placing an order online!' Maura Cheeks of Liz's Book Bar in Brooklyn, NYC, however, said she was hopeful that customers would choose to support the local stores. 'My feeling is that it's up to us as consumers and American citizens to make the choice about where to spend our money. It's that simple,' she said. Leah Koch, owner of the Ripped Bodice, said: 'We can never compete with Amazon on the price of books and speed of shipping because we don't employ a private army, and we know that.' 'So, Amazon is not out competitor. Our goal is to provide an experience that you cannot get on Amazon.' 'F*** Bezos. May he be very miserable living alone on the moon,' Koch added.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Barack Obama dines without Michelle AGAIN... as key clues reveals the state of their marriage
Former President Barack Obama enjoyed some family time with his daughters in Los Angeles, but wife Michelle was nowhere to be seen. Barack, 63, stepped out on Friday evening with daughters Malia and Sasha for dinner at Hamasaku, a Japanese-Californian spot in West Los Angeles. The restaurant specializes in sushi and offers main courses as expensive as $35 caviar and $38 wagyu steaks. Hamusaku is a favorite of the former first family, with a previous visit in 2022 making headlines after Obama's secret service detail parked in a handicap spot for hours while they dined. Although the former president was not accompanied by Michelle, he wore his wedding ring amid unfounded rumors that their marriage is in turmoil. It is not clear where Michelle spent her Friday evening, but the former First Lady took to Instagram on Saturday to celebrate Independent Bookstore Day with a picture of her buying some new literature. Michelle previously brushed off divorce rumors, and earlier this month. she was also spotted out in Los Angeles with her wedding ring and diamond engagement ring on. The couple were also seen on a romantic date night together just one week ago, where they dined at one of their favored Italian restaurants in Washington, DC. Barack, 63, stepped out on Friday evening with daughters Malia and Sasha (not pictured) for dinner at Hamasaku, a Japanese-Californian spot in West Los Angeles Their evening out in DC a week ago was seen as a show of unity by some observers, and the couple were reportedly met with cheers as they entered the building. Rumors of a rift in the Obamas' marriage of 32 years were ignited in January when she declined to attend former President Jimmy Carter's funeral and sent Barack alone. The couple went several months without being seen in public together, and in that time, Michelle also skipped President Trump's inauguration, again leaving her husband to go solo. In an address to Hamilton College students a month ago, Barack fueled the rumor mill as he made light of the stress the presidency had on his marriage, saying he was in a ' deep deficit with my wife.' 'I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,' he added. Barack dined out with daughters Malia and Sasha on Friday evening, although the sisters were not pictured as their famous father arrived. Despite spending their unorthodox childhoods in the White House, Barack admitted last year that his daughters have no plans to follow him into politics, and joked that Michelle 'drilled it into them' early on that they would be 'crazy to go into politics.' After facing persistent questions over the state of their marriage - including bizarre gossip that Barack had a tryst with an A-list actress - Michelle addressed the speculation in a recent interview with Sophia Bush in her podcast Work in Progress. 'That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with disappointing people,' she said. 'So much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,' Michelle said of skipping the inauguration. 'That this couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?' Michelle has been back in the spotlight in recent times after launching her own podcast with brother Craig Robinson. But in a recent episode this month, Michelle came under scrutiny as she tried to explain why she skipped Trump's inauguration. After previously saying she did so 'for herself', Michelle said one of the primary reasons she didn't attend was because she 'didn't have anything to wear ', a surprise claim from a former occupant of the White House. 'I mean, cause I'm always prepared for any funeral, anything,' Michelle added. 'I walk around with the right dress, I travel with clothes just in case something pops off. 'So I was like, if I'm not going to do this thing, I got to tell my team, I don't even want to have a dress ready, right?' By refusing to even pack the appropriate clothes, Michelle knew she was preventing herself from taking the easy route and 'just saying, let me do the right thing [and attend].' Michelle said she was stunned that a decision she made for herself led to such intense speculation about her 32-year marriage. And in her latest conversation with Tracee Ellis Ross and her brother, the trio spoke about what it was like when she first started dating Barack - with Robinson admitting that when Michelle and Barack began dating, he did not think the relationship would last a month. 'I've told this story many times about when you first started dating Barack. So Mich starts to date Barack, and we don't know who this guy is, we're just like, 'Barack? Who's got a name like Barack?' And I'm thinking it's gonna last a month like most of your relationships,' Robinson said chuckling, adding that he felt the relationship was 'not going to last.' Michelle has also stressed to her listeners that marriage has been difficult. 'Marriage is hard and it is reasonably hard, you know, it's the right kind of hard but don't get upset when it's hard,' she said. She also revealed that she warns young people to expect long periods when a marriage is extremely difficult. 'The reality is that if you choose to have a traditional marriage and you have kids let me tell you the years from one to 13 will be bad for you as an adult,' she said. 'It's beautiful but they will take you for a loop.'
