Photo by Rebecca Schley.

Update: Kramerbooks is also participating. See below.

Original:

Independent Bookstore Day, a celebration spawned from last year’s California Bookstore Day, is making its debut on May 2nd. Three D.C. bookstores plan to participate, as well as a handful from the burbs.

“We’re creating a festive atmosphere throughout the day to celebrate the role indie bookstores play in our families and our community,” said Deborah Johnson, a book buyer for Child’s Play.

Despite years of grim news for people who enjoy literal page turners, the D.C.-area’s indie bookstore scene has been faring pretty well in recent months.

Much like Record Store Day, IBD promises merchandise and experiences that you can’t find online. In addition to hosting readings, stores will carry limited-edition art prints, signed books, and other items. They include a signed collection of essays by Roxane Gay, signed prints by Hyperbole and a Half’s Allie Brosh, and a tote bag designed by Roz Chast.

Participating stores include:

Politics & Prose: The venerable institution is going all out for the day. Think free mimosas, children’s events, a literary costume character contest, and brunch with local authors (Howard Norman, Maureen Corrigan, Keith Donohue, Alice McDermott, Mary Louise Kelly, Tania James, and A.X. Ahmad). A full list of events is available on their website.

Child’s Play: These kid-focused shops—with locations in Chevy Chase, D.C.; Rockville, Md.; Arlington; and McLean, Va.—will host scavenger hunts and have a limited number of signed copies of R. J. Palacio’s “Wonder.” At the Arlington location, local author Sue Fliess will read from her books like “Tons of Trucks” and “How to Be a Superhero.”

Reiters Independent Books: The downtown bookseller invites readers to “party all day.”

One More Page Books: The Arlington indie will have cookies, donuts, and other treats on hand while shoppers browse for books with a bunch of local authors. Starting at 6:30 p.m. there will also be a wine tasting and raffle.

Kramerbooks: The Dupont Circle mainstay is offering a raffle for shoppers who spend $25 in the store. Visitors can also vote for their favorite design to be reprinted on Kramerbooks’ next t-shirt.

Courtesy IBD.