The MN Guide to Independent Bookstore Day 2023

It’s that time of year! On April 29, 2023, bookstores throughout Minnesota and around the country will be celebrating Independent Bookstore Day.

Officially participating stores will have exclusive Independent Bookstore Day items while supplies last, which usually isn’t long—tote bags, advance reader copies (ARCs), fancy pencils, puzzles, and more—and may have sales and other special promotions. Locally, there are also 23 businesses participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport, which offers shoppers chances to unlock coupons and win prizes during the week leading up to Indie Bookstore Day (more information on that below). Other stores won’t be officially participating but are celebrating on their own. You can find all of them in this guide.

Jump to store listings:
Minneapolis | St. Paul | Greater Twin Cities Metro | Outside the Metro

A few updates since last year’s Independent Bookstore Day:

• Uncle Hugo’s/Uncle Edgar’s and Milkweed Books, both of which had been closed since spring 2020—the Uncles after losing their longtime home to arson and Milkweed because of the pandemic—reopened in Minneapolis in August 2022
• Black Garnet Books, which had been operating online and as a pop-up shop, opened its permanent physical location in St. Paul in October 2022
• Other Skies Weird Fiction opened in West St. Paul in October 2022
• Comma, a new bookstore, opened in Minneapolis in November 2022
• Wildflower Bookshop opened in Grand Rapids in February 2023

The Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport is back for another year—pick one up at any of the participating metro-area stores, listed on the Rain Taxi website and noted in the listings below, between April 24 and April 29. Each store visit during this week earns you a passport stamp that activates a coupon you can use on another visit. Collect 12 stamps to activate all the coupons; collect all 23 stamps for a chance to win one of five literary prize packs or the grand prize: a set of books, one selected by each of the participating bookstores.

The Midwest Indie Bookstore Roadmap, created by the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association (MIBA), is also back. Aside from this being a great tool for finding a bookstore near you, you can win prizes by shopping at any of the stores featured on the roadmap (either online or in person) between April 29 and next year’s Independent Bookstore Day on April 27, 2024. Take a picture of your purchase and post it on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook with the hashtag #BookstoreRoadmap, plus tag the store and MIBA in the post. MIBA will randomly select one entry each month to win a $50 gift card to the bookstore of the winner’s choice—and on next year’s Indie Bookstore Day, one grand-prize winner from all of the year’s entries will win a $500 gift card. The more stores you shop at and tag, the more likely you are to win the grand prize. Because the Bookstore Roadmap includes most (but not all!) independent bookstores in the state, we haven’t noted participation in the list below.

As in the past, both the passport and the roadmap feature illustrations by Twin Cities cartoonist Kevin Cannon.

Nationally, Libro.fm, which allows you to buy audiobooks while supporting your favorite local bookstore, is having a sale on select bestselling titles from April 24 through April 29. When you sign up for a new monthly membership using code BOOKSTOREDAY, you’ll also get a bonus free audiobook. Additionally, a golden ticket will be hidden in select bookstores, good for a year of free audiobooks on Libro.fm—see the listings below for details.

For more news and info, follow IndieBound on social media or visit IndieBookstoreDay.com.

COVID-19 Note: Due to the ongoing pandemic, many stores on this list have adjusted their hours and operations over the past three years. Although we have included information on mask policies when available, be sure to double-check store hours and policies before visiting in person. Lots of Minnesota indies offer curbside pickup and/or free or affordable local delivery for orders, and some of the events and giveaways listed here are happening virtually or outside, so there are ways to support great businesses without shopping indoors.

Twin Cities Geek urges all eligible Minnesotans to get vaccinated and boosted and take all appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and the people around them. For more information and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota, visit TwinCitiesGeek.com/COVID19.

This list may be updated after initial publication as more information becomes available. All sales and events below are limited to April 29 except for the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport (as described above) and where otherwise noted.

Jump to:
St. Paul | Greater Twin Cities Metro | Outside the Metro

Minneapolis

Babycake’s Book Stack is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. The mobile bookstore will be parked in the courtyard at Moon Palace Books (see below) from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and will be offering sweet treats and story time.

Birchbark Books in Kenwood is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. The online-based sibling business Birchbark Native Arts will be tabling at the bookstore and running a bookmark/coupon raffle: For every $50 that you spend at Birchbark Books on Saturday, you will receive a Birchbark Native Arts bookmark. Of the 500 bookmarks printed, 20 have a sticker on the back with a code—10 codes get the winner $5 off their purchase on BirchbarkNativeArts.com, 5 codes are for $10 off, 3 are for $15 off, 1 is for $25 off, and 1 is for $50 off. (Codes expire 1 month from Indie Bookstore Day. Birchbark Native Arts offers a free bookstore pickup option.)

Boneshaker Books in Seward is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. The store is open extended hours all week.

Comma, a Bookshop, which opened in November in the Linden Hills neighborhood, is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. The store will have ARC giveaways and official Bookstore Day items and is also holding a donation drive for the Women’s Prison Book Project.

DreamHaven Books and Comics in South Minneapolis is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport.

At the Irreverent Bookworm in South Minneapolis, enter to win a $50 gift certificate or one of the store’s new green mugs. Bring your Irreverent Bookworm tote bag or buy one at checkout to receive 10% off your entire purchase. There will also be a “very special snack stand” at the store where you can grab chips and a drink, with all proceeds going to support young queer entrepreneurs. Masks are encouraged.

Magers & Quinn Booksellers in Uptown is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport.

Mayday Books on the U of M’s West Bank is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and will be offering its usual discount of 15% off paperbacks and 20% off new hardcover books. Mayday Books accepts cash and check payments only.

Milkweed Books in the Open Book building near downtown Minneapolis is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. The store will have promotions and exclusive signed stock from its authors, free perennial wildflower seeds with any purchase of two or more books (while supplies last), and a free tote bag and member discount applied when you sign up for a Milkweed membership. In addition, FRGMNT Coffee, which is taking over the Open Book café space next to the bookstore, will be selling select beverages from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Independent Bookstore Day ahead of the café’s full reopening in May.

The Open Book arts center, home to Milkweed Books. Madeleine Vasaly

Moon Palace Books in Longfellow is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport, and if you find the one golden ticket hidden in the store, you’ll get a year of free audiobooks from Libro.fm. According to the Moon Palace website, masks are required for everyone.

Once Upon A Crime in Whittier is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and will be giving out free advance reader copies.

Paperback Exchange near Lake Harriet is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport.

Uncle Edgar’s Mystery Bookstore and Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore, now located at 2716 East 31st Street (just east of its former location), is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. Author Steven Brust will be signing Tsalmoth, the latest Vlad Taltos novel, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Wild Rumpus Books for Young Readers in Linden Hills is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport, and anyone who stops in on Indie Bookstore Day wearing Wild Rumpus merch (“be it vintage Wild Rumpus clothes or hats, or a new shirt you purchased from Bonfire“) will get 20% off any books they purchase that day in the store. As of April 4, Wild Rumpus is no longer requiring masking for in-store shopping, but masks are still strongly encouraged and are available on request (read more on Wild Rumpus social media).

Other Minneapolis bookstores to visit in person or online (be sure to check hours and operations) include:

• The Book House in Dinkytown
• Eat My Words Bookstore in Northeast
• James & Mary Laurie Booksellers in the North Loop
• Strive Bookstore in downtown

St. Paul

Black Garnet Books in the Midway neighborhood is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. “Stop by for cupcakes, community, and a 15% discount on your purchase!”

Next Chapter Booksellers in Macalester-Groveland is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and will have the following official items available: Blackwing pencils, banned books jigsaw puzzles, signed copies of Pure Colour by Sheila Heti, Tales of the Weird anthology, and IBD 2023 tote bags. The store is also offering a free chocolate bar from St. Paul chocolatier BT McElrath with every $75 purchase; there will be dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and their special flavors Super Red, Salty Dog, and Prairie Dog.

Other Skies Weird Fiction in West St. Paul will be having a 20% off sale, and customers who spend $100 and up can choose a free bonus book from a selection of paperbacks and pulp magazines.

Red Balloon Bookshop on Grand Avenue is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport, and all-day activities include scratch-off prizes, patio bubbles, and chalk drawing. The store also invites visitors “to test their Red Balloon bookseller knowledge by playing ‘Guess the Bookseller’!” At 12:30 p.m., Max Brallier (The Last Kids on Earth) will be talking with Drew Brockington (CatStronauts) about his new spin-off comic book series, The Last Comics on Earth, followed by a signing with Brallier. At 3:00 p.m., Ben Costa and James Parks, creators of Dungeoneer Adventures, will sign copies of their books, and there will be a Dungeoneer-themed scavenger hunt in the store.

SubText Books in downtown St. Paul is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and will have special discounts and official Independent Bookstore Day items available. The store is also offering free shipping for all online orders placed on Saturday (applied automatically—no code needed).

Other St. Paul bookstores to visit in person or online (be sure to check hours and operations) include:

• Against the Current in Macalester-Groveland
• Midway Used and Rare Books in the Midway neighborhood
• Winding Trail Books, previously located in St. Anthony Park and currently online only

Greater Twin Cities Metro

Avant Garden in Anoka is holding an Independent Bookstore Day drawing—make a purchase of at least $75 to be entered. The combination coffee shop and bookstore is currently renovating its upstairs area to expand the space available for books and expects to open that new space this summer.

Cream and Amber in Hopkins is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. All staff picks will be 15% off in-store and online, the café will have featured beverages inspired by bestselling books, and if you find the one golden ticket hidden in the store, you’ll get a year of free audiobooks from Libro.fm. Local cartoonist Kevin Cannon, the artist behind the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and the Indie Bookstore Roadmap, will also be at Cream and Amber for a meet-and-greet from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Excelsior Bay Books in Excelsior is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport. Author Stacey Potter (Relatively Complicated) will be in the store from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and author Amanda Pesek (E is for Excelsior) from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Lake Country Booksellers in White Bear Lake is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport.

The Thinking Spot in Wayzata is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and will have official Independent Bookstore Day items available. The store is hosting Getty the reading therapy dog at 10:30 a.m., story time at 11:00, and a variety of book signings and activities with local authors Ben Orlin (Math with Bad Drawings), Guy Brown (Look Up to See What the Weather Will Be), Amanda Henke (Not a Book about Bunnies), Dani Carlin (Whose Toes Are those?), and Lee Scholder (Cats Are Picassos: A Collection of Cat Haiku). For full details, visit the Thinking Spot calendar.

Valley Bookseller in Stillwater is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport and will have official Independent Bookstore Day items, freebies, candy, and drawings for store gift cards on the hour. The store is also celebrating with themed “spirit days” all week, with opportunities for discounts if you follow the theme.

Other metro-area bookstores to visit in person or online (be sure to check hours and operations) include:

• Rabata’s Bookshop (Daybreak Press) in Arden Hills

Cream & Amber bookstore. Madeleine Vasaly

Outside the Metro

Back Forty Books in Two Harbors is offering 10% off all new books and 20% off all used books, plus goodies and book giveaways.

Beagle and Wolf Books & Bindery in Park Rapids will have official Independent Bookstore Day items available and will be giving away recycled journals made in the bindery, plus a free book and tote with purchases. Author Allen Eskens (Forsaken Country) will be appearing at 1:00 p.m. for a talk and signing.

Buffalo Books & Coffee in Buffalo will have official IBD items, in-store drawings and giveaways, and more. Author Beth Leipholtz (The ABCs of Inclusion: A Disability Inclusion Book for Kids) will be in the store for a book signing from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

The Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth will be hosting signings by authors Jeffrey B. Burton (10:00 a.m.–noon), Julie Jo Larson (1:00–3:00 p.m.), and Jillian Forte (3:00–5:00 p.m.) and offering multiple-prize raffles, light refreshments, and book recommendations from the Fitger’s booksellers. The scavenger hunt/bingo game is also returning for another year: match an author’s name to their recommendation on a bingo board to win prizes and discounts.

Chapter2Books in Hudson, Wisconsin, is participating in the Twin Cities Independent Bookstore Passport.

Chapter One in Victoria will be hosting story time at 10:30 a.m., a meet-and-greet and book signing with author Joshua Moehling (And There He Kept Her) from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and drawings and giveaways throughout the day.

Content Bookstore in Northfield is starting festivities early with special bookstore trivia on social media throughout the week. On Saturday, the store will have official Indeendent Bookstore Day items as well as a new line of Content stickers, and customers can get an IBD tote free when they spend $100 or more (or you can buy one for $15). Every purchase also enters you to win the Tote of Contentment, “a classy canvas bag of bookish riches that we promise will amaze and delight the lucky winner.” There will be a scavenger hunt running throughout the day—complete it for a “small bookish prize” (while supplies last)—plus, if you find the one golden ticket hidden in the store, you’ll get a year of free audiobooks from Libro.fm. And readers of all ages can add to the store’s community bookshelf mural.

Driftless Books and Music in Viroqua, Wisconsin, is participating in the inaugural Ridges and Rivers Book Festival, which runs Friday through Sunday. At 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Driftless is hosting a reading by Sara Vos of the band Dead Horses with her new book, which the store published.

Dragonfly Books in Decorah, Iowa, will have “fun activities, exclusive items, and more.”

Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais will have cookies from Crosby Bakery, live music on the front deck from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and a talk and book signing with author Lorna Landvik (Last Circle of Love) from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

Fair Trade Books in Red Wing will have music, giveaways, and official Independent Bookstore Day Blackwing pencils, and all first-time customers will receive a gift book. There will also be photo time with store dog Reveler.

At Four Pines Bookstore in Bemidji, the first 25 customers to make a purchase of $45 or more will receive a free Four Pines tote, and all Four Pines merchandise will be 30% off. The store will also be offering a kids’ craft activity, free Sundog Handmade cookies, and bookmarks featuring the winning designs from its recent K–12 contest.

Haven Books and Gifts in Big Lake will have local author spotlights, mystery discounts, mystery sticker bundles, a Libro.fm golden ticket, Blind Date with a Book bundles, and more. The store is also participating in Indie Bookstore Day Spirit Week—get 5% off your purchase each day you participate. See the Facebook event page for more information.

At Little Professor Book Center in Owatonna, everything except magazines will be 20% off.

Paperbacks and Pieces in Winona will be offering door prizes and 10% off storewide (except the bargain room). The store will be hosting authors Shawn McGuire, Andrew Pruett, Klover Rae, Niki Bergler, and Jolene Goodman from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Ruth Bures from 10:00 a.m. to TBD, and Driftless Kettle Corn will be selling outside the store from 10:00 a.m. to at least 1:00 p.m.

Pearl Street Books in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, will be hosting Twin Cities author Eric Dregni (For the Love of Cod) at 6:30 p.m.

At Scout & Morgan Books in Cambridge, all in-stock new and used books will be 20% off, official Independent Bookstore Day items will be available, and shoppers can get free books and gifts with book purchases. Additionally, if you find the golden ticket hidden in the store, you’ll get a year of free audiobooks from Libro.fm.

Twinflower Books in Center City will have prizes, games, bookmark stations, and more. The store is also hosting author Jennifer Kvam and illustrator Sarah Joy Kvam for a signing and kids’ dance party to celebrate the release of their book Sneaky Snobby. Find the full Sneaky Snobby schedule on the Facebook event page.

Wildflower Bookshop, which opened in Grand Rapids in February, will be hosting authors C. S. Yelle and Anthony Anselmo for signings and Sota Art Company for an art project, and you can get ice cream from Borealis Creamery and barbecue from Chad’s Meat Wagon. Watch the store’s Facebook event page for details.

The Willow Bookstore in Perham will have “fun stuff and specials,” and there will be a Libro.fm golden ticket hidden in the store.

Zenith Bookstore in Duluth will be hosting local authors Stuart Getty (How to They/Them), Timothy Cochrane (Making the Carry), and Sheila Packa (Surface Displacements) for meet-and-greets. There will be ARC giveaways and free hot cocoa and cookies, and 10% of sales will be donated to the Building for Women in Duluth for repairs.

Other Minnesota bookstores to visit online or in person (be sure to check hours and operations) include:

• Book Break in Maple Lake
• Cherry Street Books in Alexandria
• The Bookstore in Pine City
• Driftless Books in Wabasha
• Lundeen’s in Fergus Falls
• Sweet Reads in Austin
• Turtle Town Books and Gifts in Nisswa

Happy reading!

Did we miss something? Let us know!