If there's one thing that has made lockdown more bearable for many of us - it's books. The chance to dive into a new world within the pages of a tome and escape the realities of life for a little while is an appealing prospect.
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The annual Love Your Bookshop Day is an opportunity for book lovers across the nation to unite on Saturday, October 9.
This year, the event, run by the Australian Booksellers Association, is centred around the idea that while many of us can't travel physically together, we can find adventure and community through Australia's network of bookshops and booksellers. Readers are encouraged to share the love with their local bookshop by writing a lockdown love letter or note.
Australian Booksellers Association CEO Robbie Egan said books and reading had been a lifeline for many during the past year. "We've sought both entertainment and quality information from our local bookshops," Egan said. "Wherever you are, locked down or free to roam, we need books and bookshops more than ever. So let's celebrate, together and apart, and make some noise about Australia's incredible, unparalleled network of bookshops."
Celebrations this year will take place online to allow everyone to take part. Authors and booksellers will host online engagements, and there will be plenty happening across social media. National book-loving icons Leigh Sales and Annabel Crabb will celebrate with a special podcast episode of The Chat 10 Looks 3, talking all things bookshops. Entertainer Jimmy Rees will join in the fun with a dedicated Love Your bookshop video.
Independent bookstores are an integral part of the literary landscape and supporting local authors. According to Neilson Book, Australian authors account for over half of the top 50 fiction bestsellers this year, selling through independent bookstores.
The Australian book industry is a united community supporting both local and interstate authors. Queensland bookshop Avid Reader will host a Festival of Cancelled Events, inviting local authors who had books out in 2020-21 to come to a night of reading and celebration. They are also planning a Zoom event with a watch party for interstate authors. Independent publisher Freemantle Press is looking to arrange a bookshop tour and Instagram takeover with local authors as they go store to store.
With recommendations of bookstores to visit around the country, either virtually or when borders open up Love Your Bookshop Day hopes to continue support for these businesses through to Christmas and summer reading. Find out more about how to get involved by visiting loveyourbookshop.com.au.
Dayle Latham
An ordinary person trying to live an extraordinary life. Sometimes successful. Sometimes not. Animal lover. Coffee fanatic. Writer. Wannabe photographer. I believe everyone has a story.
An ordinary person trying to live an extraordinary life. Sometimes successful. Sometimes not. Animal lover. Coffee fanatic. Writer. Wannabe photographer. I believe everyone has a story.
