A nationwide celebration of all things literary is returning to Newport on April 26. Independent Bookstore Day honors bookstores across the country annually on the final Friday in April with exclusive books, contests, author appearances, and special treats for visitors.
We spoke to Steve Iwanski at Charter Books in Newport to learn more about what the store has planned. Not only is the day a national celebration for readers, but it’s also Charter’s birthday. “We opened on Independent Bookstore Day in 2021,” said Iwanski. “So yes, the day will forever be Independent Bookstore Day and our birthday.”
“The store is going to look really festive,” continued Iwanski. “We’re going to offer some specials, treats for our guests, and a special deal where folks who spend $50 get to pick out a free book from a shelf behind the counter, some stuff that folks might want to check out and take home.”
“The big news of the day is that we’re doing a special Independent Bookstore Day storytime at 10:30 AM with Rhode Island author Regina Linke. Her new book, a kids’ picture book called Big Enough, is this month’s selection for the Charter Kids Book Box, our subscription book club. She’ll be there in person to read to kids and families and sign copies.”
Iwanski noted that business at the store has grown significantly since it opened four years ago.
“Our first year was very much affected by the pandemic, but since then, we’ve grown about 10-15% each year. I think that’s a testament to the staff working hard to make sure that you know we’re offering books and events that reflect what Newport is interested in.
Indeed, the store has partnered with many local businesses and organizations serving the community. “We have a great relationship with Jane Pickens and the Newport Historical Society,” said Iwanski, who mentioned that he’d be selling shark books and more during the Jaws weekend at Pickens May 23-26.
The store has also expanded its inventory of recorded music, riding the vinyl wave. “When we first opened, our record sales were almost like a negligible thing,” said Iwanski. “But I think we’ve become a bit of a destination. Our selection isn’t huge, but I try to carry as many ‘Live at Newport’ type records as possible. We’ve got a whole row on our record wall – Ray Charles at the Newport Jazz Fest, Nina Simone, and Joni Mitchell. I try to curate it purposefully, and that goes for the books, too.”
“We’re at the Folk Fest and Jazz Fest every year,” continued Iwanski. “And while we’re not allowed to sell records for the artists playing there, I always do a big stock up on artists like John Prine, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and Joan Baez. And then heading to Jazz Fest, we do tons of really cool obscure pressings of Gospel records and compilations of Jazz B-sides, stuff like that. That’s a little more niche that might not sell any other week of the year, but people at Jazz Fest go nuts for it.”
Click here to learn more about Independent Bookstore Day.
