Norwich Bookstore will celebrate Independent Bookstore Day (IBD) this Saturday from 9am to 6pm. The shop is part of a nationwide IBD party hosted by independent bookstore owners to highlight their importance as more than just stores—they serve as community centers for their areas. Co-owner Liza Bernard answered questions about the day and what it means:

Q: Why are independent bookstores important to a community?

A: Independent bookstores—and hardware stores, grocers, clothing shops, jewelers, and any other locally owned and independent businesses—are important because they add so much behind the scenes to the community. Concretely, our indie bookstore provides local jobs, pays rent, pays state and local taxes, and supports many local nonprofits and schools. Less simple to measure, perhaps, we offer a community center, a gathering place for people to interact, to discover books and ideas; we host authors for educational and entertaining events.

Q: What are you planning for IBD?

A: On IBD, we are launching our exciting new audiobook subscription service. These audiobooks are available through our partnership with an independent company, Libro.fm. You can choose from more than 70,000 titles, and specials are offered often. Once you set up an account, you can choose an individual audiobook or sign up for a membership. With membership, the first book is $0.99 and then $14.99 per month for one book. And you get 30 percent off additional audiobooks.

We also have a selection of special books and related treasures created for IBD that will become available when we open on Saturday. Hand-drawn portraits of real authors’ dogs like Sparky Patchett and Jennie Sendak adorn An Author’s Best Friend Canine Canvas Pouch and a Mo Willams’ illustration is featured on the Elephant & Piggie Read onesie.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add?

A: For us, IBD is an opportunity to remind folks that one of the reasons our Upper Valley community of readers and writers is strong is because of local support. It is a one-day spotlight on one kind of retail store that continues the work that the Local First Alliance and Vital Communities do all year to strengthen our local economy.

Visit Norwich Bookstore at 291 Main Street or give them a call at (802) 649-1114.