By Carmen Rodgers
Independent Bookstore Day is this Saturday, April 26th, and to celebrate The Book Nook, located at 13 S Ann Ave., in Tallassee is hosting a Book Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
It’s more than just a celebration—there will be book signings, merch, and fun activities for all.
“There will be authors that are going to come and of set up in the park, and they’ll have their books for sale,” Book Nook co-owner Samantha Segrest said. “We’re going to do some fun door prizes and discounts on merch-related things here. And we’re calling it the book fair.”
Independent Bookstore Day isn’t just about celebrating the love of books—it’s also about supporting local economies and community enrichment. Every purchase made at an indie bookstore directly benefits local workers, authors, artists, and families. That money stays close to home, fueling neighborhoods and helping unique small businesses thrive in a world dominated by big chains and online retailers.
“It’s to celebrate being an independent bookstore that’s locally owned, locally operated, brings not only local jobs but also bringing taxpayer dollars right back home,” she said.
Independent bookstores, like The Book Nook, are often more than just a place to shop, they are gathering spaces, event hosts, literacy and learning advocates, and matchmakers between readers and books. Independent Bookstore Day shines a light on all of that while encouraging people to shop local.
“We hold about one event a month, and they grow every single month,” Segrest said.
Books are like treasure chests. You open them expecting one thing and sometimes walk away with something completely different.
“You never know what you’re going to find when it comes to books,” Segrest said. “People come in and they’re looking for a gift, and they leave with five stories that they want to read.”
A twist you didn’t see coming, a character who feels like a friend, a line that lingers in your mind for days—those are just some of the examples of what a reader may find in a book.
In this digital age, where stories can be streamed, swiped, and synced, there’s still something deeply grounding about holding a book.
“And while we think, you know, Kindles and computers are great, sometimes you need to step away from the screens and pick up a good book, and you never know what you’re going to find at the book fair,” Segrest said.
For more information about The Book Nook or the upcoming book fair, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/booknook36078/ or call 334-415-8169.
